latimes--2020-05-06--With devastating speed, coronavirus spread through a Long Beach fire station. But these firefighters

With devastating speed, coronavirus spread through a Long Beach fire station. But these firefighters battled back

On a cold Sunday night in March , Long Beach firefighter and paramedic James Dolas began to feel the first tingle of illness .
The next day , as the 34-year-old came down with a fever , sore throat and muscle pain , his supervisor delivered the bad news : He feared that Dolas and other firefighters at Station 11 had been exposed to the novel coronavirus .
One day later , Dolas and eight other firefighters were confirmed as positive for COVID-19 .
Soon , that number doubled to 16 .
Dolas self-isolated in a guestroom at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t lock , with a chair to keep his 3-year-old daughter at bay .
But he wondered whether he had already passed the virus on to her , as well as his 1-year-old daughter and his wife .
For the Long Beach Fire Department , the outbreak spurred a race to contain the spread of the virus — and led to changes likely to remain mainstays of how their first responders handle emergency calls related to the coronavirus .
Fire departments across the country are experiencing similar outbreaks .
In L.A. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
L.A. County Fire has 84 firefighters who have tested positive for the disease .
So far , Long Beach , the second-most-populated city in the county with more than 460,000 people , has recorded nearly 800 residents testing positive for COVID-19 .
At least 38 people have died .
Of the firefighters , Long Beach Fire Chief Xavier Espino said the sheer number of them testing positive in such a short amount of time came as a shock .
But he said it also provided a valuable learning experience .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ in how we bounced back and responded.
” When the first three confirmed cases of residents with COVID-19 were announced in Long Beach on March 9 , city officials were already following the state ’ s lead , declaring local and health emergencies , along with heeding guidelines suggested by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The city shifted to a unified command , allowing Long Beach departments to coordinate an effective response to the pandemic while providing routine services to residents .
Espino said his department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York , Washington and in the Bay Area for advice on managing the pandemic and keeping staff safe .
Long Beach firefighters were already using personal protective equipment and were practicing good hygiene .
But the department implemented suggestions from the other cities , including the creation of decontamination areas where firefighters could remove their fire gear .
Emergency dispatchers screened for possible coronavirus patients and relayed the information to first responders .
Depending on the severity of the call , fire paramedics would try to request that patients meet them outside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Espino said a paramedic would first go inside and assess the patient while the rest of the fire and medic team waited outside .
All-important social distancing proved to be tricky for the firefighters because they live and work together .
Espino said that , when shifts changed , as many as 20 firefighters could be at a station .
In retrospect , that probably contributed to the spread of the coronavirus among firefighters .
Espino said it wasn ’ t until March 24 , a Tuesday , when he learned that several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least five of them had gone in for testing that day , and Espino was awaiting the results .
“ I was steeling myself up for maybe one person to come back positive , ” the fire chief said .
“ The initial five tests came back positive.
” Espino said it was a punch to the gut .
An hour later , three more tests came back positive for COVID-19 .
“ It was kind of devastating for us to have that happen in one fell swoop , ” Espino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved the staff on duty to a nearby station .
There , they continued to respond to emergency calls and were kept in an area away from that station ’ s firefighters .
The department also hired a company to disinfect Fire Station 11 and reopened it shortly after .
Charles Hakopian , a 34-year-old firefighter and father of two , stood next to his wife that Tuesday afternoon when he got the call .
With his phone on speaker , he listened as a health official confirmed that he had tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hakopian thought he had a cold or a relatively mild flu .
They knew firefighters were prone to illness because of long hours and lack of sleep .
Station 11 was also one of the busiest fire houses in the city .
And they were already being careful .
When the firefighters responded to emergency calls involving possible coronavirus patients , they made sure to wear N95 masks , gloves , gowns and goggles .
They removed their fire gear outside the fire station and regularly washed their uniforms .
They wiped down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — with bleach and disinfectant wipes .
“ We take all the proper precautions in protecting ourselves , ” Hakopian said .
“ Until I got my results , I didn ’ t think I had it.
” After getting his results , he worried he had infected his family .
At the time , they hadn ’ t been out of the house for two weeks .
“ So if they were to get sick , it was something I brought home , ” Hakopian said .
A little later that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Long Beach Health Department while he was home in self-isolation .
He shared the results with his wife by phone .
Over the next few days , Dolas recovered from the disease .
His meals were left outside the guestroom for him to pick up .
The room had French doors connecting to the backyard , where he would sometimes walk to get fresh air .
“ I felt like a prisoner , ” he said .
Other times , he watched from behind the locked French doors as his 3-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That helped the time go by a little bit , ” he said , chuckling .
Some days were harder than others .
Dolas was used to caring for his daughters on his days off while his wife worked .
He ’ d make them special meals like Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast .
He would put them down for naps and bedtime .
He missed sitting by his 3-year-old as she learned about colors and shapes .
He missed the evening walks with her , too .
“ She just learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and now we weren ’ t able to do that , ” Dolas said .
“ You miss out .
It ’ s hard.
” ‘ Life is going to change a little bit ’ Shortly after the discovery that eight of its firefighters were sick , the health and fire department tested anyone who might come into contact with those firefighters .
As the number of COVID-19 cases grew in Long Beach , so did the number of firefighters who tested positive for it .
As of April 1 , 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the firefighters were from Station 11 .
Espino said there had been no new cases since , and the department has taken steps designed to prevent future outbreaks among its ranks .
The origin of the infection that led to the outbreak remains a mystery .
Long Beach fire officials say it could have resulted from any number of calls the firefighters responded to .
Dolas and Hakopian said they both responded to calls in which the patient later tested positive for COVID-19 .
On April 19 , the department launched a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 patients .
The Mobile Assessment Team , made up of two paramedics and one ambulance , is dispatched to patients who have COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms associated with the disease .
City officials say the team is outfitted with personal protective equipment and undergoes a special sanitation process .
The process is meant to be completed at designated locations to mitigate potential spread of the virus to other facilities , equipment or materials .
Station 11 firefighters who tested positive for COVID-19 have since returned to work .
Hakopian and Dolas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be moving , they ’ re not sure their coronavirus education is done .
“ Obviously , we ’ ve learned a lot up to this point , ” Dolas said .
“ But I ’ m sure after all this is done there will be a lot other policy changes .
I ’ m sure life is going to change a little bit .
”

On a cold Sunday night in March, Long Beach firefighter and paramedic James Dolas began to feel the first tingle of illness.
The next day, as the 34-year-old came down with a fever, sore throat and muscle pain, his supervisor delivered the bad news: He feared that Dolas and other firefighters at Station 11 had been exposed to the novel coronavirus.
One day later, Dolas and eight other firefighters were confirmed as positive for COVID-19. Soon, that number doubled to 16.
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Dolas self-isolated in a guestroom at home. He barricaded the door, which didn’t lock, with a chair to keep his 3-year-old daughter at bay. But he wondered whether he had already passed the virus on to her, as well as his 1-year-old daughter and his wife.
For the Long Beach Fire Department, the outbreak spurred a race to contain the spread of the virus — and led to changes likely to remain mainstays of how their first responders handle emergency calls related to the coronavirus.
Fire departments across the country are experiencing similar outbreaks. In L.A., 26 firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. L.A. County Fire has 84 firefighters who have tested positive for the disease.
So far, Long Beach, the second-most-populated city in the county with more than 460,000 people, has recorded nearly 800 residents testing positive for COVID-19. At least 38 people have died.
Of the firefighters, Long Beach Fire Chief Xavier Espino said the sheer number of them testing positive in such a short amount of time came as a shock. But he said it also provided a valuable learning experience.
“It was a great moment,” he said, “in how we bounced back and responded.”
A punch to the gut
Advertisement
When the first three confirmed cases of residents with COVID-19 were announced in Long Beach on March 9, city officials were already following the state’s lead, declaring local and health emergencies, along with heeding guidelines suggested by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The city shifted to a unified command, allowing Long Beach departments to coordinate an effective response to the pandemic while providing routine services to residents.
Espino said his department reached out to fire agencies in New York, Washington and in the Bay Area for advice on managing the pandemic and keeping staff safe. Long Beach firefighters were already using personal protective equipment and were practicing good hygiene.
But the department implemented suggestions from the other cities, including the creation of decontamination areas where firefighters could remove their fire gear.
Jake Heflin, Public Information Officer for the City of Long Beach's All Hazard Incident Management team, shows the proper Personal Protective Equipment that you may see doctors, nurses & first-responders wearing to protect the public. #COVID19LongBeachhttps://t.co/xeh2Saa8Xe — Long Beach Fire (CA) (@LBFD) March 9, 2020
Emergency dispatchers screened for possible coronavirus patients and relayed the information to first responders. Depending on the severity of the call, fire paramedics would try to request that patients meet them outside. If that wasn’t possible, Espino said a paramedic would first go inside and assess the patient while the rest of the fire and medic team waited outside.
All-important social distancing proved to be tricky for the firefighters because they live and work together. Espino said that, when shifts changed, as many as 20 firefighters could be at a station. In retrospect, that probably contributed to the spread of the coronavirus among firefighters.
Espino said it wasn’t until March 24, a Tuesday, when he learned that several firefighters at Station 11 were feeling sick. At least five of them had gone in for testing that day, and Espino was awaiting the results.
“I was steeling myself up for maybe one person to come back positive,” the fire chief said. “The initial five tests came back positive.”
Espino said it was a punch to the gut.
An hour later, three more tests came back positive for COVID-19.
“It was kind of devastating for us to have that happen in one fell swoop,” Espino said.
He said the department quickly moved the staff on duty to a nearby station. There, they continued to respond to emergency calls and were kept in an area away from that station’s firefighters. The department also hired a company to disinfect Fire Station 11 and reopened it shortly after.
‘I didn’t think I had it’
Charles Hakopian, a 34-year-old firefighter and father of two, stood next to his wife that Tuesday afternoon when he got the call. With his phone on speaker, he listened as a health official confirmed that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
Charles Hakopian was among Station 11 firefighters to test positive for COVID-19. He’s since recovered. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Like other firefighters, Hakopian thought he had a cold or a relatively mild flu. They knew firefighters were prone to illness because of long hours and lack of sleep. Station 11 was also one of the busiest fire houses in the city.
And they were already being careful. When the firefighters responded to emergency calls involving possible coronavirus patients, they made sure to wear N95 masks, gloves, gowns and goggles. They removed their fire gear outside the fire station and regularly washed their uniforms. They wiped down the station — including the paramedic trucks — with bleach and disinfectant wipes.
“We take all the proper precautions in protecting ourselves,” Hakopian said. “Until I got my results, I didn’t think I had it.”
After getting his results, he worried he had infected his family. At the time, they hadn’t been out of the house for two weeks.
“So if they were to get sick, it was something I brought home,” Hakopian said.
A little later that day, Dolas got the same phone call from the Long Beach Health Department while he was home in self-isolation. He shared the results with his wife by phone.
Over the next few days, Dolas recovered from the disease. His meals were left outside the guestroom for him to pick up. The room had French doors connecting to the backyard, where he would sometimes walk to get fresh air.
“I felt like a prisoner,” he said.
Other times, he watched from behind the locked French doors as his 3-year-old danced, trying to entertain him.
“That helped the time go by a little bit,” he said, chuckling.
Some days were harder than others. Dolas was used to caring for his daughters on his days off while his wife worked. He’d make them special meals like Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast. He would put them down for naps and bedtime. He missed sitting by his 3-year-old as she learned about colors and shapes. He missed the evening walks with her, too.
“She just learned to ride her bicycle with training wheels, and now we weren’t able to do that,” Dolas said. “You miss out. It’s hard.”
‘Life is going to change a little bit’
Shortly after the discovery that eight of its firefighters were sick, the health and fire department tested anyone who might come into contact with those firefighters. As the number of COVID-19 cases grew in Long Beach, so did the number of firefighters who tested positive for it.
As of April 1, 16 firefighters had tested positive. A majority of the firefighters were from Station 11. Espino said there had been no new cases since, and the department has taken steps designed to prevent future outbreaks among its ranks.
The origin of the infection that led to the outbreak remains a mystery. Long Beach fire officials say it could have resulted from any number of calls the firefighters responded to. Dolas and Hakopian said they both responded to calls in which the patient later tested positive for COVID-19.
On April 19, the department launched a specialized team to handle suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. The Mobile Assessment Team, made up of two paramedics and one ambulance, is dispatched to patients who have COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms associated with the disease.
City officials say the team is outfitted with personal protective equipment and undergoes a special sanitation process. The process is meant to be completed at designated locations to mitigate potential spread of the virus to other facilities, equipment or materials.
Station 11 firefighters who tested positive for COVID-19 have since returned to work. Hakopian and Dolas said, given how fast things seem to be moving, they’re not sure their coronavirus education is done.
“Obviously, we’ve learned a lot up to this point,” Dolas said. “But I’m sure after all this is done there will be a lot other policy changes. I’m sure life is going to change a little bit.”


latimes--2020-05-06--Will reopening California bring more coronavirus cases, deaths?

California is seeing signs that the increase in coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations is slowing , but there remains wide debate about whether the progress is enough to dramatically ease Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s stay-at-home order .
The state has recorded its first week-over-week decline in reported COVID-19 deaths , according to a Times data analysis .
Two weeks ago , California reported its highest one-week toll — 542 fatalities among people infected with the coronavirus .
Last week , the weekly death toll dropped 9 % to 495 .
Although it was an improvement , last week ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of the pandemic .
Even hard-hit parts of the state have seen some relief .
, home to 55 % of California ’ s COVID-19 deaths despite having only one-quarter of the state ’ s population , saw its reported weekly death toll flatten for the first time : 315 deaths in each of the past two weeks .
Hospitalizations have been flat on a weekly basis in the five Southern California counties , as well as the San Joaquin Valley and San Diego County , while dropping noticeably in Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % decline in confirmed and suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations last week compared to the previous week .
Still , California has not seen the sustained 14-day decline in coronavirus cases that the has suggested as a key criteria before easing stay-at-home orders .
The state reported its highest weekly coronavirus case total April 20-26 , with 12,122 cases .
Last week , 9,967 cases were reported , an 18 % decline but still the second-highest weekly total reported during the pandemic .
Newsom announced Monday that some lower-risk retailers would be allowed to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporting good stores and florists for curbside pickup — marking the state ’ s first major easing of the social distancing rules that have been credited with slowing the spread of the coronavirus and leaving California with far fewer fatalities than hot spots like New York and New Jersey .
But many health officials are urging caution , saying reopening the economy rapidly would cause cases and deaths to increase again .
Santa Clara County executive officer Dr. Jeffrey Smith noted Tuesday that the state death toll is still going up in significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll made up nearly one-quarter of California ’ s cumulative tally of fatalities .
“ There ’ s a lot of talk in California about relaxing shelter-in-place [ orders ] .
I just want to point out that we ’ re still , in California , going up dramatically , ” Smith said .
“ So there ’ s no clinical evidence that shelter-in-place should be relaxed at this point.
” Echoing statements by other medical experts , Smith said loosening up the stay-at-home orders will result in more infections and deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Smith said , the University of Washington ’ s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is now forecasting a national death toll of more than 134,000 by early August , close to double the current total of more than 71,000 .
The institute forecasts a California death toll of 4,700 by early August , also roughly double the current number of more than 2,300 .
California faces a particular challenge because some parts of the state have been hit much harder than others .
Nineteen rural counties have no confirmed deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths has been limited .
But Los Angeles County has recorded more than 1,300 deaths and on Tuesday added more than 1,500 new cases — the highest single-day total — to a cumulative total of more than 27,000 cases .
That helped fuel a single-day record of coronavirus cases reported in California , with 2,557 new diagnoses reported , for a cumulative total of 58,724 .
“ We do know as we reopen , more people will be out and about and we ’ ll see more cases , ” said Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Nothing has really changed about the virus since March .
The virus didn ’ t get less deadly .
The virus didn ’ t get less infectious .
The virus is still out there.
” Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , echoed similar concerns on the national level .
“ There are regions , areas , counties , cities in which you can [ begin to reopen ] safely now .
But there are others that if you do that , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on CNN Monday .
“ How many deaths — and how much suffering — are you willing to accept to get back to … some form of normality sooner rather than later ?
” Newsom on Tuesday tried to set expectations , stressing social-distancing practices would remain in place as more people would be put at risk when restrictions were lifted .
“ We have to maintain the core construct of our stay-at-home orders , ” he said at a news conference .
The economy will start to reopen , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to normal , ” Newsom said .
Since COVID-19 is still present , the reopening relies on Californians remaining cautious and following safety protocols .
The governor criticized two Northern California counties that are allowing higher-risk businesses , like malls , gyms and restaurant dining rooms , to reopen , saying their decision to defy his statewide stay-at-home order has put their communities at increased risk for a new outbreak .
Sutter and Yuba counties , with a combined population of 171,000 people and both north of Sacramento , allowed many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar decision was made in Modoc County , which has fewer than 9,000 residents in California ’ s northeastern corner .
Officials in the three counties argued that they were less affected by the pandemic than spots such as Los Angeles and the Bay Area , and said the shutdown was hurting their local economies .
“ They ’ re making a big mistake .
They ’ re putting their public at risk .
They ’ re putting our progress at risk , ” Newsom said during a COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The overwhelming majority of Californians are playing by the rules , doing the right thing.
” Newsom also faced defiance in Southern California after he ordered the closure of all Orange County beaches last week .
The governor took that action after thousands of beachgoers flocked to the coast during the recent heatwave , ignoring Newsom ’ s pleas to stay at home and maintain a safe distance from others .
On Tuesday , the state announced that three Orange County beach cities — Huntington Beach , Seal Beach and Dana Point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretches of coastline this week with certain limitations , including taking steps to avoid overcrowding and allow safe physical distancing .
The move came a day after similar plans for Laguna Beach and San Clemente were approved by the state , and several days after the Huntington Beach City Council voted to take legal action to block Newsom ’ s beach closure .
Newsom is allowing regions to retain local stay-at-home orders that are stricter than the state ’ s .
California has recorded more than 2,300 fatalities , far fewer than New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey ‘ s more than 7,000 — a fact experts partially attribute to early social distancing rules .
Lin reported from San Francisco , Lee and Fry from Southern California , and Luna from Sacramento .
Times staff writers Colleen Shalby , Soumya Karlamangla and Sean Greene contributed to this report .

Rong-Gong Lin II, Iris Lee, Phil Willon, Hannah Fry

Friends play spikeball, a game perfect for social distancing, on an open but restricted San Buenaventura State Beach on Saturday in Ventura, Calif.
California is seeing signs that the increase in coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations is slowing, but there remains wide debate about whether the progress is enough to dramatically ease Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order.
The state has recorded its first week-over-week decline in reported COVID-19 deaths, according to a Times data analysis. Two weeks ago, California reported its highest one-week toll — 542 fatalities among people infected with the coronavirus. Last week, the weekly death toll dropped 9% to 495.
Although it was an improvement, last week’s number was still the third-highest over the course of the pandemic.
Advertisement
Even hard-hit parts of the state have seen some relief.
Los Angeles County , home to 55% of California’s COVID-19 deaths despite having only one-quarter of the state’s population, saw its reported weekly death toll flatten for the first time: 315 deaths in each of the past two weeks.
Hospitalizations have been flat on a weekly basis in the five Southern California counties, as well as the San Joaquin Valley and San Diego County, while dropping noticeably in Northern California. L.A. County saw a 2% decline in confirmed and suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations last week compared to the previous week.
Advertisement
Still, California has not seen the sustained 14-day decline in coronavirus cases that the White House has suggested as a key criteria before easing stay-at-home orders. The state reported its highest weekly coronavirus case total April 20-26, with 12,122 cases. Last week, 9,967 cases were reported, an 18% decline but still the second-highest weekly total reported during the pandemic.
Newsom announced Monday that some lower-risk retailers would be allowed to reopen with modifications by Friday — such as sporting good stores and florists for curbside pickup — marking the state’s first major easing of the social distancing rules that have been credited with slowing the spread of the coronavirus and leaving California with far fewer fatalities than hot spots like New York and New Jersey.
But many health officials are urging caution, saying reopening the economy rapidly would cause cases and deaths to increase again.
Santa Clara County executive officer Dr. Jeffrey Smith noted Tuesday that the state death toll is still going up in significant numbers. Last week’s death toll made up nearly one-quarter of California’s cumulative tally of fatalities.
“There’s a lot of talk in California about relaxing shelter-in-place [orders]. I just want to point out that we’re still, in California, going up dramatically,” Smith said. “So there’s no clinical evidence that shelter-in-place should be relaxed at this point.”
Echoing statements by other medical experts, Smith said loosening up the stay-at-home orders will result in more infections and deaths.
With many states significantly relaxing stay-at-home orders, Smith said, the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is now forecasting a national death toll of more than 134,000 by early August, close to double the current total of more than 71,000. The institute forecasts a California death toll of 4,700 by early August, also roughly double the current number of more than 2,300.
California faces a particular challenge because some parts of the state have been hit much harder than others. Nineteen rural counties have no confirmed deaths, and in some suburban regions the number of deaths has been limited. But Los Angeles County has recorded more than 1,300 deaths and on Tuesday added more than 1,500 new cases — the highest single-day total — to a cumulative total of more than 27,000 cases.
That helped fuel a single-day record of coronavirus cases reported in California, with 2,557 new diagnoses reported, for a cumulative total of 58,724.
Tracking the coronavirus in L.A. County The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, including cases, deaths, closures and restrictions.
“We do know as we reopen, more people will be out and about and we’ll see more cases,” said Los Angeles County public health director Barbara Ferrer. “Nothing has really changed about the virus since March. The virus didn’t get less deadly. The virus didn’t get less infectious. The virus is still out there.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, echoed similar concerns on the national level.
“There are regions, areas, counties, cities in which you can [begin to reopen] safely now. But there are others that if you do that, it’s really dangerous,” Fauci said on CNN Monday. “How many deaths — and how much suffering — are you willing to accept to get back to … some form of normality sooner rather than later?”
Newsom on Tuesday tried to set expectations, stressing social-distancing practices would remain in place as more people would be put at risk when restrictions were lifted.
“We have to maintain the core construct of our stay-at-home orders,” he said at a news conference.
The economy will start to reopen, but that doesn’t mean people can “go back to normal,” Newsom said. Since COVID-19 is still present, the reopening relies on Californians remaining cautious and following safety protocols.
The governor criticized two Northern California counties that are allowing higher-risk businesses, like malls, gyms and restaurant dining rooms, to reopen, saying their decision to defy his statewide stay-at-home order has put their communities at increased risk for a new outbreak.
Sutter and Yuba counties, with a combined population of 171,000 people and both north of Sacramento, allowed many businesses to reopen on Monday after a similar decision was made in Modoc County, which has fewer than 9,000 residents in California’s northeastern corner. Officials in the three counties argued that they were less affected by the pandemic than spots such as Los Angeles and the Bay Area, and said the shutdown was hurting their local economies.
“They’re making a big mistake. They’re putting their public at risk. They’re putting our progress at risk,” Newsom said during a COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento on Tuesday. “These are real exceptions. The overwhelming majority of Californians are playing by the rules, doing the right thing.”
Newsom also faced defiance in Southern California after he ordered the closure of all Orange County beaches last week. The governor took that action after thousands of beachgoers flocked to the coast during the recent heatwave, ignoring Newsom’s pleas to stay at home and maintain a safe distance from others.
On Tuesday, the state announced that three Orange County beach cities — Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and Dana Point — will be permitted to reopen their stretches of coastline this week with certain limitations, including taking steps to avoid overcrowding and allow safe physical distancing.
The move came a day after similar plans for Laguna Beach and San Clemente were approved by the state, and several days after the Huntington Beach City Council voted to take legal action to block Newsom’s beach closure.
Newsom is allowing regions to retain local stay-at-home orders that are stricter than the state’s.
California has recorded more than 2,300 fatalities, far fewer than New York’s more than 24,000 and New Jersey‘s more than 7,000 — a fact experts partially attribute to early social distancing rules.
Lin reported from San Francisco, Lee and Fry from Southern California, and Luna from Sacramento. Times staff writers Colleen Shalby, Soumya Karlamangla and Sean Greene contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-06--Column: Time for seniors to roll over and die so younger generations can get back to work? Not so fa

Column: Time for seniors to roll over and die so younger generations can get back to work? Not so fast

I ’ ve got a Medicare card in my wallet and a target on my back .
“ Sacrifice the weak , reopen , ” said a protest sign in Tennessee .
In Antioch , next door to the Bay Area town I grew up in , a planning commissioner said that “ the sick , the old , the injured , ” along with the homeless , should be left to die from COVID-19 and ease the burden on society .
Even the 70-year-old lieutenant governor of Texas offered himself up as a sacrificial lamb , saying if more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy for future generations , “ I ’ m all in.
” And California Gov .
Gavin Newsom initially advised hospitals to prioritize younger people for care during the pandemic , although those guidelines were later retracted .
Am I going to have to dig through all the junk in my garage and pull out my musket to defend myself ?
It ’ s no accident that nursing homes — with too few supplies and resources for patients and employees — have become killing fields in a nation that has underfunded public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal oversight of profiteering eldercare companies .
We geezers are seen as expendable .
I ’ d like to think those who are saying we have to choose between returning to work and saving lives — as if we can ’ t do both — are in a minority .
But as my colleague Laura Newberry reported , ageism is running amok as we square off against each other during an epidemic that is claiming thousands of lives daily , with a majority of the victims up there in years .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increasing portrayal of those over the age of 70 as being all alike with regard to being helpless , frail and unable to contribute to society , ” eight alarmed psychologists from around the world wrote in a paper for the Gerontological Society of America .
I didn ’ t think much of it at the time , but when I went to pick up some takeout the other evening , two young folks blew past me perilously close , one on a bike and one on a scooter .
Now I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of a posse looking to herd gray-haired weaklings off to the nursing homes .
I exaggerate a bit , sure .
But the pandemic is bringing out our best instincts and our worst , as well .
As I ’ ve said in the past , I think we need to prioritize health spending , and I question the wisdom of using every medical procedure available to keep terminally ill people alive only so they can suffer a little longer .
But this isn ’ t about whether it ’ s wise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m seeing now is an ugly strain of divisiveness and a coldhearted , me-first , survival-of-the-fittest mentality .
“ I feel that we live in a society where youth and beauty are always ” idealized , said Akila Gibbs , executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center , which is checking up regularly on 3,000 of its most isolated members and delivering 160 to 170 meals daily to those in need .
“ Some of these people haven ’ t eaten in four days , ” said Gibbs .
“ Because government calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ I think it sends the message that older adults are weighing down the economy.… If you ’ re lucky , everyone is going to grow older , so all these things you don ’ t care about now , you ’ re going to want someone to care about when you ’ re older.
” All the talk of pulling together back when the pandemic was just beginning to rage seems quaint and naive now , with daily images of protesters demanding a return to normal , even though more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huntington Beach , without masks or distancing , they want it now .
In Michigan , where armed protesters marched on the statehouse like an invading army , they want it now .
In Virginia , Florida , North Carolina and so many other places , they want it now .
Who cares if , by marching en masse , someone gets infected , another nurse or doctor is exposed and a few more geezers drop dead ?
They want it now even though there ’ s still not enough testing or tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or vaccine , and we haven ’ t met the sensible conditions for reopening laid out in a rare moment of sanity by President Trump himself .
They want it even though a consensus of experts — including Trump ’ s own advisers — insist that if we move too quickly we will pay in funerals we can ’ t even attend .
But how can we be surprised by the protests or the boorish , me-first attitudes ?
If President Trump spent a tenth as much time expressing and appealing to unity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his perceived enemies and filling out his own report card with A ’ s , we ’ d be in a better place .
If he wore a mask , we wouldn ’ t have so many jackbooted rebels refusing to do so , as if that ’ s somehow brave rather than idiotic and disrespectful .
If the 73-year-old president demanded caution and respect for elders and everyone else , rather than treating pitchfork anarchists like patriots , lives could be saved .
But if our president doesn ’ t make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be sacrificed , consider that the presidents of South Korea and Germany , both of whom pulled their countries together to mount effective responses to the virus , are also in the senior citizen category .
I want , you want , we all want a return to something resembling normal , because people are hurting , they ’ re broke and they ’ re restless .
And we do have to begin very gradually reopening parks , beaches , businesses , schools and everything else within reason , but with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know we ’ re dealing with a highly contagious and lethal virus , we know the hard work of distancing and patience have saved lives , and we know about the great generations of those before us who made heroic sacrifices for the good of one and all .
Sure , if you ’ ve got only one ventilator and two very sick COVID-19 patients in the emergency room , an 85-year-old with underlying medical issues and an otherwise healthy 40-year-old , by all means try to save the 40-year-old first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me if the 40-year-old got infected at a mosh pit “ back to normal ” rally while waving a “ give me liberty ” sign .

The Tap Chicks enjoyed practicing their moves at the Pasadena Senior Center in January, before the coronavirus hit.
I’ve got a Medicare card in my wallet and a target on my back.
“Sacrifice the weak, reopen,” said a protest sign in Tennessee.
In Antioch, next door to the Bay Area town I grew up in, a planning commissioner said that “the sick, the old, the injured,” along with the homeless, should be left to die from COVID-19 and ease the burden on society.
Even the 70-year-old lieutenant governor of Texas offered himself up as a sacrificial lamb, saying if more people have to die to save the economy for future generations, “I’m all in.”
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And California Gov. Gavin Newsom initially advised hospitals to prioritize younger people for care during the pandemic, although those guidelines were later retracted.
Thousands rally on May 1 in Huntington Beach to protest stay-at-home orders and beach closures. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Am I going to have to dig through all the junk in my garage and pull out my musket to defend myself?
It’s no accident that nursing homes — with too few supplies and resources for patients and employees — have become killing fields in a nation that has underfunded public health and failed to provide proper state and federal oversight of profiteering eldercare companies. We geezers are seen as expendable.
I’d like to think those who are saying we have to choose between returning to work and saving lives — as if we can’t do both — are in a minority. But as my colleague Laura Newberry reported, ageism is running amok as we square off against each other during an epidemic that is claiming thousands of lives daily, with a majority of the victims up there in years.
“What we are seeing in public discourse is an increasing portrayal of those over the age of 70 as being all alike with regard to being helpless, frail and unable to contribute to society,” eight alarmed psychologists from around the world wrote in a paper for the Gerontological Society of America.
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I didn’t think much of it at the time, but when I went to pick up some takeout the other evening, two young folks blew past me perilously close, one on a bike and one on a scooter. Now I’m wondering if maybe they were members of a posse looking to herd gray-haired weaklings off to the nursing homes.
I exaggerate a bit, sure. But the pandemic is bringing out our best instincts and our worst, as well.
As I’ve said in the past, I think we need to prioritize health spending, and I question the wisdom of using every medical procedure available to keep terminally ill people alive only so they can suffer a little longer.
But this isn’t about whether it’s wise to prolong death. What I’m seeing now is an ugly strain of divisiveness and a coldhearted, me-first, survival-of-the-fittest mentality.
A motorist makes a statement via a car window in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Tim)
“I feel that we live in a society where youth and beauty are always” idealized, said Akila Gibbs, executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center, which is checking up regularly on 3,000 of its most isolated members and delivering 160 to 170 meals daily to those in need.
“Some of these people haven’t eaten in four days,” said Gibbs.
“Because government calls Social Security an entitlement,” Gibbs said, “I think it sends the message that older adults are weighing down the economy.… If you’re lucky, everyone is going to grow older, so all these things you don’t care about now, you’re going to want someone to care about when you’re older.”
All the talk of pulling together back when the pandemic was just beginning to rage seems quaint and naive now, with daily images of protesters demanding a return to normal, even though more lives would surely be lost.
In Huntington Beach, without masks or distancing, they want it now.
The hell with Grandpa.
In Michigan, where armed protesters marched on the statehouse like an invading army, they want it now.
The hell with Grandma.
In Virginia, Florida, North Carolina and so many other places, they want it now.
Who cares if, by marching en masse, someone gets infected, another nurse or doctor is exposed and a few more geezers drop dead?
They want it now even though there’s still not enough testing or tracing, there’s still no cure or vaccine, and we haven’t met the sensible conditions for reopening laid out in a rare moment of sanity by President Trump himself.
Brajandra Singh, 71, Altadena, works out at the Pasadena Senior Center in January, before the coronavirus lockdown. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
They want it even though a consensus of experts — including Trump’s own advisers — insist that if we move too quickly we will pay in funerals we can’t even attend.
But how can we be surprised by the protests or the boorish, me-first attitudes?
If President Trump spent a tenth as much time expressing and appealing to unity and empathy as he has lashing out at his perceived enemies and filling out his own report card with A’s, we’d be in a better place.
If he wore a mask, we wouldn’t have so many jackbooted rebels refusing to do so, as if that’s somehow brave rather than idiotic and disrespectful.
If the 73-year-old president demanded caution and respect for elders and everyone else, rather than treating pitchfork anarchists like patriots, lives could be saved.
But if our president doesn’t make the best case for why seniors shouldn’t be sacrificed, consider that the presidents of South Korea and Germany, both of whom pulled their countries together to mount effective responses to the virus, are also in the senior citizen category.
I want, you want, we all want a return to something resembling normal, because people are hurting, they’re broke and they’re restless. And we do have to begin very gradually reopening parks, beaches, businesses, schools and everything else within reason, but with new standards of distancing and protection.
We know we’re dealing with a highly contagious and lethal virus, we know the hard work of distancing and patience have saved lives, and we know about the great generations of those before us who made heroic sacrifices for the good of one and all.
Sure, if you’ve got only one ventilator and two very sick COVID-19 patients in the emergency room, an 85-year-old with underlying medical issues and an otherwise healthy 40-year-old, by all means try to save the 40-year-old first.
But it’s a tougher call for me if the 40-year-old got infected at a mosh pit “back to normal” rally while waving a “give me liberty” sign.
Steve.lopez@latimes.com


latimes--2020-05-06--Kern County city gets hit with triple whammy: Lockdowns, oil slump and prison closing

The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is slamming cities and towns across the state .
But for Taft , a city of roughly 9,300 people in far western Kern County , there have been a few extra punches to the gut .
With prices and demand for oil down , the thousands of pump jacks that ordinarily bob up-and-down on the horizon are at a virtual standstill .
That is adding to the misery on main street , where restaurants , gyms , stationery shops and other stores have been ordered closed .
And then there ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privately owned Taft Correctional Institute , closed its doors on April 30 after sending hundreds of uninfected prisoners to coronavirus hot spots across the country .
The decision to close the federal prison was made last fall , long before the pandemic struck , but now the economic pain is hitting .
“ It ’ s been a rough couple of months , ” said Mayor Dave Noerr , who is pivoting as fast as he can to get his town ’ s economy up and running again .
Taft sits at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain ranges , between the Midway-Sunset and Buena Vista oil fields , in the southwest corner of the San Joaquin Valley .
The smell of oil in the air along Mocal Road , just to the northwest of town , is unmistakable .
Once known as Siding Number Two — a stop off the Southern Pacific railway — Taft was subsequently named Moro , then Moron , before town leaders settled on naming the area after then-President Taft in 1912 .
It ’ s been the geographical center of the California oil industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aera siphon up crude from the vast reserves pooled under this remote , dry region dotted with sage brush , clover and buckwheat .
On April 27 , Taft ’ s City Council voted unanimously to open up for business on May 3 , in defiance of Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s orders .
But two days later , Kern County officials asked Noerr to stand down .
Unwilling to give up , the mayor penned a letter with four county supervisors and state Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove ( R-Bakersfield ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Local government should have the flexibility and discretion to navigate reopening stages in a timeline that works best for their communities , ” wrote Noerr and those co-signing the letter .
Noerr sits on a Kern County advisory board that is evaluating how best to respond to the governor ’ s orders .
“ I hate to say it , but the civil unrest we have been seeing seems to be having a positive effect , ” he said , referring to protests over the weekend and the governor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several counties and cities have pushed back against Newsom ’ s emergency orders .
In the far northeastern part of the state , Modoc County opened up for business on Friday .
Sheriffs in Del Norte and Humboldt counties announced they would not enforce the orders .
Kern County has also opted not to enforce the restrictions .
“ I see no reason why we should remain closed , ” Noerr said in an interview , last week , not wearing a mask .
He said the overall economy of the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He doesn ’ t yet have the numbers to show the true impact .
Sitting at the base of a bronze statue dedicated to the 20th century oil worker pioneers who built the city and the region ’ s oil industry , Noerr pointed to Kern County ’ s COVID-19 numbers , which show that Taft now has 16 cases , and that hospitalization rates in the county have started to dip .
“ If you were to compare those numbers to the levels of domestic abuse , child abuse , alcohol abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks , you ’ d see the virus pales in comparison to the damage being done by the shutdown , ” he said .
When asked for those numbers , he said he didn ’ t have them and referred questions to the police department .
“ I think we should open up the hair salons , and nail salons , ” he said .
“ We need to let people go to those places where they can start to feel better about themselves.
” Noerr , who has the support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trade group officials referred a reporter to the mayor for information about the oil industry in California — believes the business will rebound soon .
And he said it should be an American priority to support the nation ’ s oil industry .
“ Why are we buying oil from overseas when we can make it right here , in California , with some of the strictest environmental and workers ’ rights regulations in the world ?
” he said .
The closing of the privately owned federal prison was another setback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and news reports , the decision was made last fall by federal prison officials concerned about structural issues with some of the buildings .
On April 29 , a burrowing owl sat on the coiled-razor wire fencing snaking the perimeter of the vacated facility .
Correctional officers went in and out of the building , emptying the site of filing cabinets , chairs and microwave ovens .
According to news reports , more than 1,000 inmates were sent to a handful of prisons across the nation , including Lompoc and Mendota in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Correctional Institute in Michigan and another federal prison in Texas .
A Bureau of Prisons spokesman declined to name the Texas prison , saying instead that the bureau “ determined suitable locations to best manage its population.
” None of the Taft prisoners had coronavirus upon departure but were sent to facilities where the virus has spread .
As of Sunday , the Santa Barbara County Health Department was reporting 107 cases at one of those facilities , the Federal Correctional Institute , Lompoc .
Some 400 prisoners were also sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where state officials there were reporting that nine inmates and at least five staff were infected as of mid-April .
In April , Rep. Kevin McCarthy ( R-Bakersfield ) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-Calif. ) wrote a letter to Michael Carvajal , director of the bureau of prisons , urging him to reconsider transporting the prisoners from Taft Correctional Institution during the pandemic .
“ The BOP ’ s decision to continue with the mass transfer of inmates… around the country clearly and directly contradicts guidance from federal , state , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own recent directive , ” they wrote .
“ These actions are unnecessarily putting inmates and staff at the TCI , the broader community of Taft , and other inmates and staff in the federal prison system at risk of not only contracting COVID-19 , but also further spreading this virus… ” A spokesman for the prisons , Scott Taylor , said it necessary to vacate for “ critical facility repairs.
” Former correctional officers at the facility last week seemed overwhelmed , concerned and perplexed by the prison bureau ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoners .
Yeni Lopez , a Taft resident and quality control specialist at the prison , said she was “ blindsided ” by the decision .
“ I ’ ve been here for 18 years , ” she said , “ I didn ’ t see this coming.
” Nor did Ray Smith , the owner of the Acme Almost Anything Jewelry and Gifts shop on Center Street .
He said that , among the knickknacks and jewelry he sells , he ’ s also got a few essential items , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the oil business for decades , ” he said , and was always known as a guy who wasn ’ t afraid to say what he thought .
“ People called me abrasive.
” “ Nobody ’ s stopping me from keeping my shop open , ” he said , leaning back on a chair on the sidewalk out front of his store .
“ But maybe that ’ s because they know better.
” Los Angeles Times reporter Susanne Rust and photographer Carolyn Cole are embarking on a road journey throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those in remote parts of the state as they grapple with the worst health and economic calamity of our lifetimes .

The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is slamming cities and towns across the state.
But for Taft, a city of roughly 9,300 people in far western Kern County, there have been a few extra punches to the gut.
With prices and demand for oil down, the thousands of pump jacks that ordinarily bob up-and-down on the horizon are at a virtual standstill. That is adding to the misery on main street, where restaurants, gyms, stationery shops and other stores have been ordered closed.
And then there’s the fact that another major employer, the privately owned Taft Correctional Institute, closed its doors on April 30 after sending hundreds of uninfected prisoners to coronavirus hot spots across the country. The decision to close the federal prison was made last fall, long before the pandemic struck, but now the economic pain is hitting.
“It’s been a rough couple of months,” said Mayor Dave Noerr, who is pivoting as fast as he can to get his town’s economy up and running again.
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Taft sits at the base of the San Emigdio and Temblor mountain ranges, between the Midway-Sunset and Buena Vista oil fields, in the southwest corner of the San Joaquin Valley. The smell of oil in the air along Mocal Road, just to the northwest of town, is unmistakable.
Once known as Siding Number Two — a stop off the Southern Pacific railway — Taft was subsequently named Moro, then Moron, before town leaders settled on naming the area after then-President Taft in 1912.
It’s been the geographical center of the California oil industry, where companies such as Chevron and Aera siphon up crude from the vast reserves pooled under this remote, dry region dotted with sage brush, clover and buckwheat.
On April 27, Taft’s City Council voted unanimously to open up for business on May 3, in defiance of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orders.
But two days later, Kern County officials asked Noerr to stand down.
Unwilling to give up, the mayor penned a letter with four county supervisors and state Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), requesting the governor modify stay-at-home orders.
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“Local government should have the flexibility and discretion to navigate reopening stages in a timeline that works best for their communities,” wrote Noerr and those co-signing the letter. Noerr sits on a Kern County advisory board that is evaluating how best to respond to the governor’s orders.
“I hate to say it, but the civil unrest we have been seeing seems to be having a positive effect,” he said, referring to protests over the weekend and the governor’s decision to reopen beaches around the state.
Several counties and cities have pushed back against Newsom’s emergency orders. In the far northeastern part of the state, Modoc County opened up for business on Friday. Sheriffs in Del Norte and Humboldt counties announced they would not enforce the orders.
Kern County has also opted not to enforce the restrictions.
“I see no reason why we should remain closed,” Noerr said in an interview, last week, not wearing a mask. He said the overall economy of the town likely has shrunk by 40%. He doesn’t yet have the numbers to show the true impact.
Sitting at the base of a bronze statue dedicated to the 20th century oil worker pioneers who built the city and the region’s oil industry, Noerr pointed to Kern County’s COVID-19 numbers, which show that Taft now has 16 cases, and that hospitalization rates in the county have started to dip.
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Dave Noerr, mayor of Taft, Calif., stands in front of the Taft Oilworker Monument. “It’s been a rough couple of months,” says Noerr, who is pivoting to get his town’s economy running again after the coronavirus lockdown. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
“If you were to compare those numbers to the levels of domestic abuse, child abuse, alcohol abuse and drug abuse situations over the past few weeks, you’d see the virus pales in comparison to the damage being done by the shutdown,” he said.
When asked for those numbers, he said he didn’t have them and referred questions to the police department.
“I think we should open up the hair salons, and nail salons,” he said. “We need to let people go to those places where they can start to feel better about themselves.”
Noerr, who has the support of the oil industry — several oil company and trade group officials referred a reporter to the mayor for information about the oil industry in California — believes the business will rebound soon.
And he said it should be an American priority to support the nation’s oil industry.
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“Why are we buying oil from overseas when we can make it right here, in California, with some of the strictest environmental and workers’ rights regulations in the world?” he said.
The closing of the privately owned federal prison was another setback for the town.
According to emails and news reports, the decision was made last fall by federal prison officials concerned about structural issues with some of the buildings.
On April 29, a burrowing owl sat on the coiled-razor wire fencing snaking the perimeter of the vacated facility. Correctional officers went in and out of the building, emptying the site of filing cabinets, chairs and microwave ovens.
Coronavirus Journal Two Times journalists are embarking on a journey throughout California to cover the nation’s most populous and diverse state during the coronavirus crisis.
More stories
According to news reports, more than 1,000 inmates were sent to a handful of prisons across the nation, including Lompoc and Mendota in California, as well as the North Lake Federal Correctional Institute in Michigan and another federal prison in Texas.
A Bureau of Prisons spokesman declined to name the Texas prison, saying instead that the bureau “determined suitable locations to best manage its population.”
None of the Taft prisoners had coronavirus upon departure but were sent to facilities where the virus has spread. As of Sunday, the Santa Barbara County Health Department was reporting 107 cases at one of those facilities, the Federal Correctional Institute, Lompoc. Some 400 prisoners were also sent to the North Lake facility in Michigan, where state officials there were reporting that nine inmates and at least five staff were infected as of mid-April.
In April, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) wrote a letter to Michael Carvajal, director of the bureau of prisons, urging him to reconsider transporting the prisoners from
Taft Correctional Institution during the pandemic.
“The BOP’s decision to continue with the mass transfer of inmates… around the country clearly and directly contradicts guidance from federal, state, and local authorities, as well as your own recent directive,” they wrote. “These actions are unnecessarily putting inmates and staff at the TCI, the broader community of Taft, and other inmates and staff in the federal prison system at risk of not only contracting COVID-19, but also further spreading this virus…”
A spokesman for the prisons, Scott Taylor, said it necessary to vacate for “critical facility repairs.”
Former correctional officers at the facility last week seemed overwhelmed, concerned and perplexed by the prison bureau’s decision to close during this period and transport prisoners.
“I’ve been here for 18 years,” she said, “I didn’t see this coming,” said Yeni Lopez, a quality control specialist at the prison. The recent closing of the privately owned federal prison in Taft has was another setback for the town. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)
Yeni Lopez, a Taft resident and quality control specialist at the prison, said she was “blindsided” by the decision.
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“I’ve been here for 18 years,” she said, “I didn’t see this coming.”
Nor did Ray Smith, the owner of the Acme Almost Anything Jewelry and Gifts shop on Center Street.
He said that, among the knickknacks and jewelry he sells, he’s also got a few essential items, such as flashlights and batteries.
The McKittrick oil field in Kern County. With the demand for oil down, thousands of pump jacks are at a virtual standstill. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
“I was in the oil business for decades,” he said, and was always known as a guy who wasn’t afraid to say what he thought. “People called me abrasive.”
“Nobody’s stopping me from keeping my shop open,” he said, leaning back on a chair on the sidewalk out front of his store.
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“But maybe that’s because they know better.”
Los Angeles Times reporter Susanne Rust and photographer Carolyn Cole are embarking on a road journey throughout California. They aim to give voice to those in remote parts of the state as they grapple with the worst health and economic calamity of our lifetimes.


latimes--2020-05-06--After hours of debate, Riverside County postpones vote to reopen amid coronavirus outbreak

After more than eight hours of debate Tuesday , the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted to table its decision on whether to rescind the county ’ s public health orders and instead opted to wait until Gov .
Gavin Newsom provides more guidelines later this week .
The supervisors voted to meet again Friday .
Officials met to discuss whether the county should lift local orders that closed schools , restricted golf courses , and required people to stay six feet apart and wear facial coverings while grocery shopping and during other essential activities .
Cameron Kaiser , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had put the restrictions in place until June 19 .
Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Karen Spiegel brought the proposal to rescind to the board .
A crowd of more than 200 people , including a group of protesters in favor of the rescission , attended the board meeting .
Dozens of speakers offered testimony — both for and against easing rules .
Some called the restrictions arbitrary , onerous and “ unconstitutional , flat-out.
” Cosmetologists said they wanted to go back to work .
One woman said she knows three people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine , suggesting those deaths were a result of stress from the lockdown .
Others said they wanted to be able to attend church .
“ I would rather die of a virus than lose my freedoms , ” said a speaker who identified herself as a nurse , wearing an American flag bandanna around her neck .
Others , including teachers and labor union members , cautioned against lifting restrictions too quickly .
Some said opening without the appropriate safety measures could trigger a second , even deadlier wave of infections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say rescinding mandates that the public wear facial coverings will result in more infections .
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco , who was welcomed to the microphone with cheers from the audience , said the county does not have the resources to enforce “ unreasonable orders.
” “ From the beginning , I told you I would not enforce the stay-at-home order partly because I trusted our residents ’ ability to do the right thing without the fear of being arrested .
I knew that they could be trusted to act as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ I refuse to make criminals out of business owners , single moms and otherwise healthy individuals who are exercising their constitutional rights.
” Over the phone , county Treasurer Jon Christensen said : “ I ’ m very concerned .
We have to get our businesses back open.
” The latest changes to the Newsom ’ s four-stage plan to gradually reopen the state expand decision-making at the local level , allowing some communities to move further ahead into the second phase of the reopening process at their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those outlined in the statewide policy .
But counties must first submit “ containment plans ” that meet certain requirements for hospital beds , testing kits , and the ability to track infected people and trace their contacts , Newsom said .
Other local orders that are more restrictive than statewide reopening plans would supersede any changes the governor makes , Newsom said .
Riverside County has some of the strictest public health orders in the state .
The county has the second-highest number of infections , behind Los Angeles County , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Monday evening .
More than 56,000 people have been tested and nearly 2,000 people have recovered from the virus .
During Tuesday ’ s marathon meeting , Kaiser and other health officials acknowledged that the county ’ s coronavirus numbers were not as dire as they had initially projected — 65,000 coronavirus cases by May — mostly due to the restrictions they put in place early .
But they warned supervisors that if orders were lifted too soon , they ’ d run the risk of impeding the county ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paycheck are just as important to public health as anything else , ” Kaiser said .
“ The presence of us [ here ] is not to say that we should not reopen , it ’ s to say that the orders that are in place ... enhance our ability to serve the public and to reopen those businesses responsibly.
” Due to a recent increase in personal protective equipment for healthcare workers , the opening of eight additional testing sites and the large quantity of available hospital beds , local experts said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are prepared for the second phase of reopening .
They also said that by continuing to require residents to wear masks and practice social distancing — both of which aren ’ t statewide requirements — the county can make its case to reopen stronger .
Ultimately , Perez agreed with health officials and changed his mind on the matter .
Late in the meeting , he asked his colleagues to vote against his initial recommendation .
“ I think we can have a win-win , ” he said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ... .
We are in a great position to demonstrate to the governor that we can move into Phase 2 hopefully as soon as Friday and then maybe even fast-track ourselves into Phase 3 , ” Perez said .
“ Come Friday , we ’ re ready to move forward.
” In response to Perez ’ s recommendation , 1st District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries recommended that the vote be postponed until next week , but 5th District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt warned that a decision was needed sooner .
Following Newsom ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supervisors will meet on Friday afternoon to vote on whether to rescind all of the county ’ s public health orders .
Times staff writers Alene Tchekmedyian , Taryn Luna and Phil Willon contributed to this report .

Demonstrators who favor ending pandemic restrictions rally in the lobby of the County Administrative Center in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
After more than eight hours of debate Tuesday, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted to table its decision on whether to rescind the county’s public health orders and instead opted to wait until Gov. Gavin Newsom provides more guidelines later this week.
The supervisors voted to meet again Friday.
For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington recommended that the vote be postponed until next week. First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries made the suggestion.
Officials met to discuss whether the county should lift local orders that closed schools, restricted golf courses, and required people to stay six feet apart and wear facial coverings while grocery shopping and during other essential activities.
Cameron Kaiser, the county’s public health officer, had put the restrictions in place until June 19. Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Karen Spiegel brought the proposal to rescind to the board.
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A crowd of more than 200 people, including a group of protesters in favor of the rescission, attended the board meeting. Dozens of speakers offered testimony — both for and against easing rules.
Protesters who want public health orders rescinded watch and listen to video monitors during the Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 5 in Riverside, Calif. Many were not wearing masks. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Some called the restrictions arbitrary, onerous and “unconstitutional, flat-out.” Cosmetologists said they wanted to go back to work. One woman said she knows three people who lost friends to suicide during the quarantine, suggesting those deaths were a result of stress from the lockdown. Others said they wanted to be able to attend church.
“I would rather die of a virus than lose my freedoms,” said a speaker who identified herself as a nurse, wearing an American flag bandanna around her neck.
Others, including teachers and labor union members, cautioned against lifting restrictions too quickly. Some said opening without the appropriate safety measures could trigger a second, even deadlier wave of infections. Palm Springs Mayor Geoff Kors called in to say rescinding mandates that the public wear facial coverings will result in more infections.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who was welcomed to the microphone with cheers from the audience, said the county does not have the resources to enforce “unreasonable orders.”
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“From the beginning, I told you I would not enforce the stay-at-home order partly because I trusted our residents’ ability to do the right thing without the fear of being arrested. I knew that they could be trusted to act as responsible adults and I was correct,” he said. “I refuse to make criminals out of business owners, single moms and otherwise healthy individuals who are exercising their constitutional rights.”
Over the phone, county Treasurer Jon Christensen said: “I’m very concerned. We have to get our businesses back open.”
The latest changes to the Newsom’s four-stage plan to gradually reopen the state expand decision-making at the local level, allowing some communities to move further ahead into the second phase of the reopening process at their own pace and open more businesses beyond those outlined in the statewide policy.
But counties must first submit “containment plans” that meet certain requirements for hospital beds, testing kits, and the ability to track infected people and trace their contacts, Newsom said.
Other local orders that are more restrictive than statewide reopening plans would supersede any changes the governor makes, Newsom said. Riverside County has some of the strictest public health orders in the state.
The county has the second-highest number of infections, behind Los Angeles County, with 4,454 positive COVID-19 cases and 184 deaths as of Monday evening. More than 56,000 people have been tested and nearly 2,000 people have recovered from the virus.
During Tuesday’s marathon meeting, Kaiser and other health officials acknowledged that the county’s coronavirus numbers were not as dire as they had initially projected — 65,000 coronavirus cases by May — mostly due to the restrictions they put in place early. But they warned supervisors that if orders were lifted too soon, they’d run the risk of impeding the county’s progress.
“A job and a paycheck are just as important to public health as anything else,” Kaiser said. “The presence of us [here] is not to say that we should not reopen, it’s to say that the orders that are in place ... enhance our ability to serve the public and to reopen those businesses responsibly.”
Due to a recent increase in personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, the opening of eight additional testing sites and the large quantity of available hospital beds, local experts said that they think the county can prove that they are prepared for the second phase of reopening. They also said that by continuing to require residents to wear masks and practice social distancing — both of which aren’t statewide requirements — the county can make its case to reopen stronger.
Ultimately, Perez agreed with health officials and changed his mind on the matter. Late in the meeting, he asked his colleagues to vote against his initial recommendation. “I think we can have a win-win,” he said.
“I say we leave our orders as they are.... We are in a great position to demonstrate to the governor that we can move into Phase 2 hopefully as soon as Friday and then maybe even fast-track ourselves into Phase 3,” Perez said. “Come Friday, we’re ready to move forward.”
In response to Perez’s recommendation, 1st District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries recommended that the vote be postponed until next week, but 5th District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt warned that a decision was needed sooner. Following Newsom’s address on Thursday, the Board of Supervisors will meet on Friday afternoon to vote on whether to rescind all of the county’s public health orders.
Times staff writers Alene Tchekmedyian, Taryn Luna and Phil Willon contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-07--L.A. County, Bay Area take conservative approach as California eases stay-at-home rules

With parts of the California economy poised to reopen Friday , it ’ s becoming increasingly clear that major metropolitan areas are going to be taking it slow over concerns that the coronavirus remains a significant public health threat .
L.A. County officials Wednesday laid out modest first steps toward easing stay-at-home orders , which have been credited with slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus .
The county remains the primary hotbed of the outbreak in California , with more than 1,300 deaths and 28,000 confirmed cases , including about 800 new ones reported Wednesday alone .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other types of bricks-and-mortar stores — including those that sell toys , music , books , clothing and sporting goods — will be allowed to open for curbside pickup only starting Friday .
In-store shopping will not be permitted .
“ This list is less about what products are sold and more about the ability to maintain social distancing , ” county Supervisor Kathryn Barger said .
The San Francisco Bay Area is taking an even more conservative stance , with officials saying closure orders will continue to be enforced even as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide guidelines .
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said the city has been working to learn details of Newsom ’ s new guidelines , but she stressed that Bay Area health officers can continue to order tighter restrictions .
The reason has “ everything to do ” with the numbers of cases and deaths in the Bay Area , she said .
“ The numbers are still going up , ” Breed said .
“ The number of deaths are still going up , and we have not lowered the curve , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” She added : “ The more that people have interactions with other people , the [ greater the ] likelihood that other folks will continue to get infected.
” Dr. Grant Colfax , San Francisco ’ s public health director , said one of the goals that needs to be met before reopening is the ability to trace contacts of infected people and test them for the coronavirus .
“ We are still building our surveillance system , ” he said .
To do that , local officials are working with scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley .
“ We must hold steady and let the data guide us.
” Newsom has announced that some stay-at-home rules will be modestly eased by Friday .
Bookstores , music stores , toy stores , florists , sporting goods retailers , clothing stores and others can reopen for curbside pickup as early as Friday .
Additional businesses could be named later this week , also with curbside pickup .
Factories that supply those businesses would also be allowed to resume operating .
Otherwise , only essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , medical offices , gas stations and auto repair shops are open , with social distancing rules in place .
Offices , shopping malls and seated dining at restaurants are still ordered closed .
Personal grooming businesses , entertainment venues , live concerts and sports are also not included in the first phase of Newsom ’ s reopening plan .
Some rural counties and suburban cities in California have demanded to reopen with social distancing restrictions , and three counties in Northern California — Yuba , Sutter and Modoc — have defied Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , the health officer for two of those counties is expressing grave concerns that businesses are not following the modified rules .
Dr. Phuong Luu , the health officer for Yuba and Sutter counties , north of Sacramento , said in a letter that a “ number of businesses ” are not enforcing rules on social distancing and face coverings .
“ I understand that some of your customers may strongly object to a facial covering requirement , but the long-term safety of our community is at stake .
We do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our phasing-in efforts , ” Luu wrote , expressing concern about public health if the rules are not followed .
Los Angeles and Bay Area officials say they are trying to avoid these problems .
Under the Los Angeles County plan , recreational amenities including golf courses and trails will also reopen Friday .
People still must adhere to physical distancing requirements and wear face coverings when they ’ re in proximity to others .
But city leaders are also considering more restrictions .
Los Angeles officials are exploring whether to require Angelenos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whenever they leave their homes , a proposal championed by Councilman Paul Koretz as a way to prevent new infections .
“ The last thing we need is another spike in cases to set us back as we ’ re trying to move forward , ” Koretz said .
“ People still walk dogs .
They still ride bicycles .
They still may stop and chat with their neighbors .
This would reduce the spread.
” The City Council has not decided to draft such a law , but it voted Wednesday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health guidelines for wearing face coverings , what requirements have been imposed by other cities and how such rules might be enforced .
And beginning Monday , anyone traveling through Los Angeles International Airport must wear a mask or face covering , Mayor Eric Garcetti announced .
Health officials on Wednesday also outlined for the first time a five-stage plan for reopening L.A. County .
Though the first retailers will be permitted to reopen with conditions this week under Stage 2 , the county hopes to soon allow other low-risk business — including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to also open their doors .
Stage 2 also allows for the reopening of libraries , museums , cultural centers and galleries .
The county has not provided a proposed date when those spaces could again be accessible .
Los Angeles County beaches will remain closed for the time being , despite other coastal stretches reopening — with limitations — this week in nearby Orange County with the state ’ s blessing .
Times staff writers Rong-Gong Lin II and Luke Money contributed to this report .

Marisa Gerber, Hannah Fry, Maura Dolan, Emily Alpert Reyes

Anthony Frank and his wife, Melia Campbell, of Plumas Lake enjoy their first night out in weeks May 5 at Silver Dollar Saloon in Marysville, Calif.
With parts of the California economy poised to reopen Friday, it’s becoming increasingly clear that major metropolitan areas are going to be taking it slow over concerns that the coronavirus remains a significant public health threat.
L.A. County officials Wednesday laid out modest first steps toward easing stay-at-home orders, which have been credited with slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus. The county remains the primary hotbed of the outbreak in California, with more than 1,300 deaths and 28,000 confirmed cases, including about 800 new ones reported Wednesday alone.
Under the county plan, florists, car dealers and other types of brick-and-mortar stores — including those that sell toys, music, books, clothing and sporting goods — will be allowed to open for curbside pickup only starting Friday. In-store shopping will not be permitted.
“This list is less about what products are sold and more about the ability to maintain social distancing,” county Supervisor Kathryn Barger said.
The San Francisco Bay Area is taking an even more conservative stance, with officials saying closure orders will be enforced even as Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to loosen statewide guidelines.
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San Francisco Mayor London Breed said the city had been working to learn details of Newsom’s new guidelines, but she stressed that Bay Area health officers could continue to order tighter restrictions.
The reason has “everything to do” with the numbers of cases and deaths in the Bay Area, she said.
“The numbers are still going up,” Breed said. “The number of deaths are still going up, and we have not lowered the curve, and we have to be mindful of that.”
She added: “The more that people have interactions with other people, the [greater the] likelihood that other folks will continue to get infected.”
Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s public health director, said one of the goals that needs to be met before reopening is the ability to trace contacts of infected people and test them for the coronavirus.
“We are still building our surveillance system,” he said. To do that, local officials are working with scientists from the city’s public hospital, UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley.
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“We must hold steady and let the data guide us.”
Newsom has announced that some stay-at-home rules will be modestly eased by Friday. Bookstores, music stores, toy stores, florists, sporting goods retailers, clothing stores and others can reopen for curbside pickup as early as Friday. Additional businesses could be named later this week, also with curbside pickup. Factories that supply those businesses would also be allowed to resume operating.
Otherwise, only essential businesses such as grocery stores, drugstores, medical offices, gas stations and auto repair shops are open, with social distancing rules in place.
Offices, shopping malls and seated dining at restaurants are still ordered closed. Personal grooming businesses, entertainment venues, live concerts and sports are also not included in the first phase of Newsom’s reopening plan.
Some rural counties and suburban cities in California have demanded to reopen with social distancing restrictions, and three counties in Northern California — Yuba, Sutter and Modoc — have defied Newsom and opened on their own.
But now, the health officer for two of those counties is expressing grave concerns that businesses are not following the modified rules. Dr. Phuong Luu, the health officer for Yuba and Sutter counties, north of Sacramento, said in a letter that a “number of businesses” are not enforcing rules on social distancing and face coverings.
“I understand that some of your customers may strongly object to a facial covering requirement, but the long-term safety of our community is at stake. We do not want to take any steps back in our phasing-in efforts,” Luu wrote, expressing concern about public health if the rules are not followed.
Los Angeles and Bay Area officials say they are trying to avoid these problems.
Under the Los Angeles County plan, recreational amenities including golf courses and trails will also reopen Friday. People still must adhere to physical distancing requirements and wear face coverings when they’re in proximity to others.
But city leaders are also considering more restrictions.
Los Angeles officials are exploring whether to require Angelenos to have masks or other facial coverings whenever they leave their homes, a proposal championed by Councilman Paul Koretz as a way to prevent new infections.
“The last thing we need is another spike in cases to set us back as we’re trying to move forward,” Koretz said. “People still walk dogs. They still ride bicycles. They still may stop and chat with their neighbors. This would reduce the spread.”
The City Council has not decided to draft such a law, but it voted Wednesday to ask city staffers to report back on health guidelines for wearing face coverings, what requirements have been imposed by other cities and how such rules might be enforced.
And beginning Monday, anyone traveling through Los Angeles International Airport must wear a mask or face covering, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced.
Health officials on Wednesday also outlined for the first time a five-stage plan for reopening L.A. County. Though the first retailers will be permitted to reopen with conditions this week under Stage 2, the county hopes to soon allow other low-risk business — including manufacturers, offices and larger retail — to also open their doors.
Stage 2 also allows for the reopening of libraries, museums, cultural centers and galleries. The county has not provided a proposed date when those spaces could again be accessible.
Los Angeles County beaches will remain closed for the time being, despite other coastal stretches reopening — with limitations — this week in nearby Orange County with the state’s blessing.
Times staff writers Rong-Gong Lin II and Luke Money contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-07--Newsom is relying on public health officials for his coronavirus response. But he has to listen to o

Newsom is relying on public health officials for his coronavirus response. But he has to listen to others too

Lots of people have specific roles in life .
In our American democracy , no single sector can rule absolutely — not even public health officials in a pandemic .
Public health professionals have one compelling goal right now : vanquish the coronavirus .
And do whatever it takes to achieve that end .
We ’ re fortunate they ’ re here and so dedicated .
They should be the most influential advisors listened to by all elected chief executives — the president , governors and mayors .
And by all indications they are , except it seems for President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about virus contagion , health experts can not be given a free hand in dictating public policy .
They have only one professional agenda .
People collectively have many .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom is very much aware of that real-life truth .
“ If we followed public health officials , California wouldn ’ t open back up to anything this year , ” says a Newsom insider , who didn ’ t want to be identified .
“ This is a balancing act .
Public health isn ’ t absolute .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livelihood .
He gets that.
” Newsom also gets this , as he mentioned in his daily coronavirus briefing Wednesday : “ People ’ s mental health has to be considered.
” For many people , their mental health deteriorates after being cooped up at home for a long period .
And it ’ s even worse for workers who have been laid off because their employer ’ s business has collapsed during the pandemic .
Governors also must listen to business , whose sole reason for existence is profit .
If profitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay for the government safety net programs that Democrats demand , plus schooling for everyone ’ s kids and grandkids .
Democratic politicians must listen to organized labor — their campaign patrons — whose sole goal is well-compensated jobs .
And most important , there ’ s the citizenry — the electorate .
Ultimately , voters are the boss .
And anyone who thinks that ’ s naive should read up on former Gov .
Gray Davis .
Also , former Presidents George H.W .
Bush and Jimmy Carter .
All three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last 40 years .
It ’ s often damned if they do , damned if they don ’ t for elected officials .
In a republican system of democracy , candidates for office get elected to represent the people in decision making .
That ’ s called politics .
What I ’ ve never quite understood is why politicians then seem to be ashamed of being swayed by voters or interests in making tough decisions .
They won ’ t admit to acting based on what they consider to be good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the flip side , if they don ’ t heed their voters ’ wishes , they get slammed for not obeying the public ’ s will — as Newsom did shortly after taking office when he ordered a moratorium on capital punishment .
Voters had twice declared in recent statewide elections that they wanted to execute the most brutal murderers — even expedite it .
Newsom has been fortunate in his battle against the virus .
His leadership has enjoyed overwhelming public support so far .
In a mid-April poll by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a phenomenally high 70 % of voters approved of how Newsom was handling his job — up 10 percentage points from September .
Part of the reason for that high mark surely was because they agreed with the governor ’ s anti-virus actions .
Seventy percent of voters were more worried that his stay-at-home orders would end too soon , causing the virus to spread , than they were that the confinements would linger too long , further damaging the economy .
That was mid-April , however .
There have been growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in rural areas where the virus has had little if any impact .
Some counties have defied Newsom by reopening on their own .
Their public health officials have planned it .
But although Newsom said Tuesday those counties were “ making a big mistake … putting their public at risk , ” he pragmatically acknowledged there are “ regional differences ” throughout California and said some rural communities would be allowed to open up faster than others .
He also approved the partial reopening of some businesses throughout the state .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his plan to close all beaches in California after his intention was leaked and protests erupted overnight .
One big reason he pulled back was that most communities agreed to negotiate with him over terms for remaining open .
Only Orange County cities refused , and their beaches were ordered temporarily closed .
When they came to the bargaining table and worked out a plan with the governor , he reopened the beaches Monday .
“ He ’ s going to follow science , ” the Newsom insider told me .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A governor has tremendous power after he declares a statewide emergency .
But any edicts require local cooperation to enforce his orders and provide medical care .
“ We have a democratic system of government based on the consent of the governed , ” says Democratic consultant Garry South , former chief strategist for Davis .
“ If the governed start withdrawing their consent , you have a problem .
“ I think Newsom has handled it skillfully.
” Bob Shrum , director of the Center for the Political Future at USC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests are a noisy minority… .
“ If I were running the government , I would listen to scientists and health directors.
” Newsom is .
But as an elected politician , he also knows it ’ s wise to listen to everyone .

Gov. Gavin Newsom has shown his willingness to listen to public health officials as well as industry and the concerns of the electorate.
Lots of people have specific roles in life. In our American democracy, no single sector can rule absolutely — not even public health officials in a pandemic.
Public health professionals have one compelling goal right now: Vanquish the coronavirus. And do whatever it takes to achieve that end.
We’re fortunate they’re here and so dedicated. They should be the most influential advisors listened to by all elected chief executives — the president, governors and mayors. And by all indications they are, except it seems for President Trump.
Advertisement
But regardless of their wisdom about virus contagion, health experts cannot be given a free hand in dictating public policy. They have only one professional agenda. People collectively have many.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is very much aware of that real-life truth.
“If we followed public health officials, California wouldn’t open back up to anything this year,” says a Newsom insider, who didn’t want to be identified. “This is a balancing act. Public health isn’t absolute.
“Part of living life is having a livelihood. He gets that.”
Newsom also gets this, as he mentioned in his daily coronavirus briefing Wednesday: “People’s mental health has to be considered.”
For many people, their mental health deteriorates after being cooped up at home for a long period. And it’s even worse for workers who have been laid off because their employer’s business has collapsed during the pandemic.
Governors also must listen to business, whose sole reason for existence is profit. If profitable, business provides jobs and tax revenue to pay for the government safety net programs that Democrats demand, plus schooling for everyone’s kids and grandkids.
Advertisement
Democratic politicians must listen to organized labor — their campaign patrons — whose sole goal is well-compensated jobs.
And most important, there’s the citizenry — the electorate. Ultimately, voters are the boss. And anyone who thinks that’s naive should read up on former Gov. Gray Davis. Also, former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. All three were ousted from office by unhappy voters in the last 40 years.
It’s often damned if they do, damned if they don’t for elected officials.
In a republican system of democracy, candidates for office get elected to represent the people in decision making. That’s called politics.
What I’ve never quite understood is why politicians then seem to be ashamed of being swayed by voters or interests in making tough decisions. They won’t admit to acting based on what they consider to be good politics — doing what their constituents want.
On the flip side, if they don’t heed their voters’ wishes, they get slammed for not obeying the public’s will — as Newsom did shortly after taking office when he ordered a moratorium on capital punishment. Voters had twice declared in recent statewide elections that they wanted to execute the most brutal murderers — even expedite it.
Newsom has been fortunate in his battle against the virus. His leadership has enjoyed overwhelming public support so far.
In a mid-April poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, a phenomenally high 70% of voters approved of how Newsom was handling his job — up 10 percentage points from September.
Part of the reason for that high mark surely was because they agreed with the governor’s anti-virus actions. Seventy percent of voters were more worried that his stay-at-home orders would end too soon, causing the virus to spread, than they were that the confinements would linger too long, further damaging the economy.
That was mid-April, however. There have been growing protests against Newsom’s stay-at-home order in rural areas where the virus has had little if any impact. Some counties have defied Newsom by reopening on their own. Their public health officials have planned it.
But although Newsom said Tuesday those counties were “making a big mistake … putting their public at risk,” he pragmatically acknowledged there are “regional differences” throughout California and said some rural communities would be allowed to open up faster than others.
He also approved the partial reopening of some businesses throughout the state.
Two weeks ago, he wisely backed off his plan to close all beaches in California after his intention was leaked and protests erupted overnight. One big reason he pulled back was that most communities agreed to negotiate with him over terms for remaining open.
Only Orange County cities refused, and their beaches were ordered temporarily closed. When they came to the bargaining table and worked out a plan with the governor, he reopened the beaches Monday.
“He’s going to follow science,” the Newsom insider told me. “But there’s lots of wiggle room.”
A governor has tremendous power after he declares a statewide emergency. But any edicts require local cooperation to enforce his orders and provide medical care.
“We have a democratic system of government based on the consent of the governed,” says Democratic consultant Garry South, former chief strategist for Davis. “If the governed start withdrawing their consent, you have a problem.
“I think Newsom has handled it skillfully.”
Bob Shrum, director of the Center for the Political Future at USC, says, “The folks conducting protests are a noisy minority….
“If I were running the government, I would listen to scientists and health directors.”
Newsom is. But as an elected politician, he also knows it’s wise to listen to everyone.


latimes--2020-05-07--After this week's near-record heat, California will return to cooler weather in mid-May

After a summer-like pattern of high pressure and offshore flow prevailing through at least Thursday in Southern California , much cooler conditions and a thicker marine layer will begin to return Friday and over the weekend into early next week , the National Weather Service said .
In Northern California , a robust cooling trend could be accompanied by light rain , and light showers and drizzle are possible along the Central Coast next week .
The temperature outlook produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for May 12-16 calls for below-normal temperatures for most of California , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about normal .
A strong upper-level ridge of high pressure over all of California kept skies clear on Wednesday afternoon .
A few high clouds could be seen streaming across the Central Coast in a satellite photo , and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada were easily visible .
An upper-level trough that was in the north Pacific Wednesday will move east to the California coast by Monday evening , bringing an increase in onshore flow with low clouds and fog pushing into the valleys each night and morning .
While this may be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season in Northern California , as UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain points out , it may help to temporarily tamp down the presently above-average wildfire risk .

Temperatures are likely to be below normal in much of California after the heat wave passes.
After a summer-like pattern of high pressure and offshore flow prevailing through at least Thursday in Southern California, much cooler conditions and a thicker marine layer will begin to return Friday and over the weekend into early next week, the National Weather Service said.
In Northern California, a robust cooling trend could be accompanied by light rain, and light showers and drizzle are possible along the Central Coast next week.
The temperature outlook produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for May 12-16 calls for below-normal temperatures for most of California, while much of the surrounding western U.S. is about normal.
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High pressure and clear skies dominated in a satellite photo of California taken at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The snow-capped Sierra Nevada were easily seen. (Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere & Los Angeles Times)
A strong upper-level ridge of high pressure over all of California kept skies clear on Wednesday afternoon. A few high clouds could be seen streaming across the Central Coast in a satellite photo, and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada were easily visible.
An upper-level trough that was in the north Pacific Wednesday will move east to the California coast by Monday evening, bringing an increase in onshore flow with low clouds and fog pushing into the valleys each night and morning.
While this may be the last cooler and wetter interlude of the season in Northern California, as UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain points out, it may help to temporarily tamp down the presently above-average wildfire risk.