latimes--2020-08-02--Firefighters struggle to control Apple fire in Riverside County as winds pick up

California ’ s first major wildfire of the year grew to more than 20,000 acres over the weekend , destroying one home , forcing thousands to evacuate and sending up a plume of smoke so massive that it generated its own winds , authorities said .
The Apple fire in Riverside County burned up steep and rugged hillsides , making it inaccessible to firefighting vehicles as it spread north and east toward the San Gorgonio Wilderness while continuing to threaten homes to the south .
The fire spread rapidly in the early hours of Sunday , growing to 20,516 acres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-morning .
The blaze was 5 % contained as of 7 p.m. as 2,200 fire personnel in the air and on the ground worked to douse it .
Officials were unable to gauge the exact size of the blaze Sunday evening , but Lisa Cox , fire information officer for the San Bernardino National Forest , said that “ there was significant growth and fire activity.
” Multiple evacuation orders and warnings remained in place Sunday in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties .
Roughly 7,800 residents in over 2,500 households were ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a public information officer with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Riverside County Fire Department .
The terrain is characterized by a web of narrow canyons and drainage channels , which has created the potential for extremely active fire behavior , Cox said .
“ What we saw yesterday was a perfect example of that , ” she said , referring to a large pyrocumulus cloud that mushroomed up from the fire and into the sky on Saturday .
The towering spectacle , which creates its own turbulent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way in Los Angeles .
The cloud pushes embers down and blows them in all directions , creating the potential for rapid and unpredictable spread , Cox said .
“ The concern with that is that firefighters can not control what that plume of smoke does , ” she said .
On Sunday , humidity levels plummeted to the teens by mid-afternoon .
Westerly winds picked up after 3 p.m. and peaked between 6 and 9 p.m. at 10 to 20 mph , with gusts of up to 30 mph , said Miguel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weather Service in San Diego .
The pattern of winds strengthening in the late afternoons and evenings will likely persist for the next several days , he said .
“ It ’ s not anything outrageous or very strong , but it ’ s enough to push the fire around a little bit , ” he said .
An evacuation center for people and animals was opened at Beaumont High School , where the American Red Cross arranged hotel rooms for 32 people from about 10 households Saturday night , regional disaster officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center is staffed by volunteers who are trained in COVID-19 safety protocols and outfitted with face coverings , and social distancing is strictly observed , she said .
All who enter must undergo a brief health screening , and nurses are also conducting daily telephone screenings of the evacuees who were placed in hotel rooms , she said .
“ We ’ re in a COVID environment , and then if we have these wildfires at that , it complicates the situation , ” she said .
“ But if we just all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be OK. ” Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Sunday that California has secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Apple fire .
The grant will also assist local and state agencies responding to the fire to apply for reimbursements for up to 75 % of fire suppression costs .
The U.S. Forest Service on Saturday ordered an emergency closure of the San Gorgonio Wilderness , including the Pacific Crest Trail between the forest boundary and Forest Road 1N01 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Falls area were also closed .
Forest Service recreation staff and volunteers visited trailheads to let hikers and backpackers know that the wilderness area is closed , and on Saturday announcements were also made via helicopter , Cox said .
“ They ’ re not in danger right at this moment , but we preemptively want to make sure they have enough time to get out , ” she said .
The vegetation fire was first reported at 4:55 p.m. Friday in the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t word on its cause .
The fire was burning through thick grasses and brush , which were fueled by seasonal rainfall that was close to average in the area , Miller said .
“ That made for a decent green-up , as they call it , in the springtime — leafing out the vegetation , the grasses get going , ” he said .
“ Then by May , June , certainly by July ... those grasses simply dry up , they turn yellow , they turn flammable .
And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire season.
” Another brush fire erupted in Southern California on Sunday night in Gorman , an unincorporated community in northwestern L.A. County .
The blaze had grown to 200 acres , and forward progress had been stopped by 9 p.m. , according to the L.A. County Fire Department .
The fire ignited near Gorman Post Road and northbound Interstate 5 two hours earlier .

A firefighter from Carpinteria monitors a huge plume of smoke from the Apple fire along Bluff Street, north of Banning.
California’s first major wildfire of the year grew to more than 20,000 acres over the weekend, destroying one home, forcing thousands to evacuate and sending up a plume of smoke so massive that it generated its own winds, authorities said.
The Apple fire in Riverside County burned up steep and rugged hillsides, making it inaccessible to firefighting vehicles as it spread north and east toward the San Gorgonio Wilderness while continuing to threaten homes to the south.
The fire spread rapidly in the early hours of Sunday, growing to 20,516 acres — or 32 square miles — by mid-morning. The blaze was 5% contained as of 7 p.m. as 2,200 fire personnel in the air and on the ground worked to douse it.
Officials were unable to gauge the exact size of the blaze Sunday evening, but Lisa Cox, fire information officer for the San Bernardino National Forest, said that “there was significant growth and fire activity.”
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Multiple evacuation orders and warnings remained in place Sunday in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Roughly 7,800 residents in over 2,500 households were ordered to evacuate, according to April Newman, a public information officer with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Riverside County Fire Department.
The terrain is characterized by a web of narrow canyons and drainage channels, which has created the potential for extremely active fire behavior, Cox said.
“What we saw yesterday was a perfect example of that,” she said, referring to a large pyrocumulus cloud that mushroomed up from the fire and into the sky on Saturday. The towering spectacle, which creates its own turbulent weather, could be seen all the way in Los Angeles.
The cloud pushes embers down and blows them in all directions, creating the potential for rapid and unpredictable spread, Cox said. “The concern with that is that firefighters cannot control what that plume of smoke does,” she said.
On Sunday, humidity levels plummeted to the teens by mid-afternoon. Westerly winds picked up after 3 p.m. and peaked between 6 and 9 p.m. at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts of up to 30 mph, said Miguel Miller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. The pattern of winds strengthening in the late afternoons and evenings will likely persist for the next several days, he said.
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“It’s not anything outrageous or very strong, but it’s enough to push the fire around a little bit,” he said.
An evacuation center for people and animals was opened at Beaumont High School, where the American Red Cross arranged hotel rooms for 32 people from about 10 households Saturday night, regional disaster officer Debbie Leahy said Sunday.
The evacuation center is staffed by volunteers who are trained in COVID-19 safety protocols and outfitted with face coverings, and social distancing is strictly observed, she said. All who enter must undergo a brief health screening, and nurses are also conducting daily telephone screenings of the evacuees who were placed in hotel rooms, she said.
“We’re in a COVID environment, and then if we have these wildfires at that, it complicates the situation,” she said. “But if we just all focus on safety, we’re going to be OK.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Sunday that California has secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Apple fire. The grant will also assist local and state agencies responding to the fire to apply for reimbursements for up to 75% of fire suppression costs.
The U.S. Forest Service on Saturday ordered an emergency closure of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the Pacific Crest Trail between the forest boundary and Forest Road 1N01. Forest Service recreation areas in the Forest Falls area were also closed.
Forest Service recreation staff and volunteers visited trailheads to let hikers and backpackers know that the wilderness area is closed, and on Saturday announcements were also made via helicopter, Cox said.
“They’re not in danger right at this moment, but we preemptively want to make sure they have enough time to get out,” she said.
The vegetation fire was first reported at 4:55 p.m. Friday in the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. There wasn’t word on its cause.
The fire was burning through thick grasses and brush, which were fueled by seasonal rainfall that was close to average in the area, Miller said.
“That made for a decent green-up, as they call it, in the springtime — leafing out the vegetation, the grasses get going,” he said. “Then by May, June, certainly by July ... those grasses simply dry up, they turn yellow, they turn flammable. And that’s why summertime is the high fire season.”
Another brush fire erupted in Southern California on Sunday night in Gorman, an unincorporated community in northwestern L.A. County. The blaze had grown to 200 acres, and forward progress had been stopped by 9 p.m., according to the L.A. County Fire Department. The fire ignited near Gorman Post Road and northbound Interstate 5 two hours earlier.


latimes--2020-08-02--Marines identify 8 servicemen presumed dead after training accident off San Clemente Island

The U.S. Marines late Sunday released the names of eight service members — including three from Southern California — who went missing during a training exercise off San Clemente Island last week .
The seven Marines and one sailor are presumed dead , officials said .
The search-and-rescue operation ended earlier Sunday .
“ It is with a heavy heart that I decided to conclude the search-and-rescue effort , ” Col. Christopher Bronzi , commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit , said in a statement .
“ The steadfast dedication of the Marines , sailors and Coast Guardsmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” One Marine , Lance Cpl .
Guillermo S. Perez , 20 , of New Braunfels , Texas , was pronounced dead at the scene before being transported by helicopter to Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego .
He was a rifleman with Bravo Company , Battalion Landing Team 1/4 .
Three of those presumed dead are from Southern California , including two from L.A. County : — U.S. Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem , 22 , of Stockton , Calif. , a hospital corpsman with Bravo Company , BLT 1/4 .
Two others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them in critical condition .
Five other service members were rescued .
With the assistance of helicopters , ships and boats , more than 1,000 square nautical miles were searched , but it was determined that there was little probability of successful rescue given the circumstances of the incident , officials said .
The 26-ton amphibious assault vehicle , which sank in water hundreds of feet deep , was beyond the reach of divers .
The incident occurred when the craft carrying 15 Marines and one Navy sailor began taking on water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Marine Corps .
Efforts will now turn to finding and recovering the missing servicemen , officials said .
“ Our thoughts and prayers have been , and will continue to be , with our Marines ’ and sailor ’ s families during this difficult time , ” Bronzi said .

The U.S. flag was lowered to half-staff at Park Semper Fi in San Clemente on Friday.
The U.S. Marines late Sunday released the names of eight service members — including three from Southern California — who went missing during a training exercise off San Clemente Island last week.
The seven Marines and one sailor are presumed dead, officials said. The search-and-rescue operation ended earlier Sunday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I decided to conclude the search-and-rescue effort,” Col. Christopher Bronzi, commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said in a statement. “The steadfast dedication of the Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen to the persistent rescue effort was tremendous.”
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One Marine, Lance Cpl. Guillermo S. Perez, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene before being transported by helicopter to Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego. He was a rifleman with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/4.
Three of those presumed dead are from Southern California, including two from L.A. County:
— Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 19, of Corona, a rifleman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4, 15th MEU.
— Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco, 21, of Montebello, a rifleman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4.
— Pfc. Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wis., a rifleman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4, 15th MEU.
— U.S. Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, Calif., a hospital corpsman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4.
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— Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Ore., a rifleman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4.
— Cpl. Wesley A. Rodd, 23, of Harris, Texas, a rifleman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4.
— Lance Cpl. Chase D. Sweetwood, 19, of Portland, Ore., a rifleman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4.
— Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, a rifleman with Bravo Company, BLT 1/4.
Two others were injured and remain hospitalized, one of them in critical condition. Five other service members were rescued.
With the assistance of helicopters, ships and boats, more than 1,000 square nautical miles were searched, but it was determined that there was little probability of successful rescue given the circumstances of the incident, officials said. The 26-ton amphibious assault vehicle, which sank in water hundreds of feet deep, was beyond the reach of divers.
The incident occurred when the craft carrying 15 Marines and one Navy sailor began taking on water about 5:45 p.m. Thursday, according to the Marine Corps.
Efforts will now turn to finding and recovering the missing servicemen, officials said.
“Our thoughts and prayers have been, and will continue to be, with our Marines’ and sailor’s families during this difficult time,” Bronzi said.


latimes--2020-08-03--Earthquake: 3.5 quake shakes Placentia, Orange County

A magnitude 3.5 earthquake was reported Monday afternoon at 3:18 p.m. Pacific time in Placentia , according to the U.S. Geological Survey .
The earthquake occurred less than a mile from Yorba Linda , less than a mile from Anaheim , one mile from Orange and two miles from Fullerton .
In the past 10 days , there have been three earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby .
An average of five earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.0 occur per year in the greater Los Angeles area , according to a recent three-year data sample .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles .
Did you feel this earthquake ?
Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS .
Even if you didn ’ t feel this small earthquake , you never know when the Big One is going to strike .
Ready yourself by following our five-step earthquake preparedness guide and building your own emergency kit .
This story was automatically generated by Quakebot , a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS .
A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published .
If you ’ re interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit our list of frequently asked questions .

A magnitude 3.5 earthquake was reported Monday afternoon at 3:18 p.m. Pacific time in Placentia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake occurred less than a mile from Yorba Linda, less than a mile from Anaheim, one mile from Orange and two miles from Fullerton.
In the past 10 days, there have been three earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby.
An average of five earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.0 occur per year in the greater Los Angeles area, according to a recent three-year data sample.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5.4 miles. Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS.
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Even if you didn’t feel this small earthquake, you never know when the Big One is going to strike. Ready yourself by following our five-step earthquake preparedness guide and building your own emergency kit.
This story was automatically generated by Quakebot, a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS. A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published. If you’re interested in learning more about the system, visit our list of frequently asked questions.


latimes--2020-08-03--Evacuations lifted after fast-moving fire shuts down freeway in Santa Clarita Valley

A wildfire quickly mushroomed to 200 acres in the Santa Clarita Valley on Monday afternoon , triggering evacuations and forcing the closure of all lanes of the 14 Freeway before firefighters contained it to 130 acres .
The Elsmere fire was first reported about 1:50 p.m. in the area of the northbound 14 and Newhall Avenue , and within half an hour had grown to 100 acres , according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department .
By about 3 p.m. , the fire was 200 acres and 0 % contained , officials said .
Shortly after , the San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all evacuation orders had been lifted after an order was issued for all residents between between Dockweiler Drive and Newhall Avenue , and from Sierra Highway to Valle de Oro.
, Officials also issued an evacuation warning for the neighborhood north of Valle de Oro .
“ Stay alert to any changing conditions , ” the department tweeted .
At 4 p.m. , the fire decreased to 130 acres , and some lanes that had been shut down reopened .
The third lane on the northbound 5 Freeway north of State Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth lane remains closed , according to California Highway Patrol .
State Route 138 , west of Gorman Post Road , and the Templin Ridge Route is closed indefinitely .

A fast-moving wildfire has triggered evacuations and shut down the 14 Freeway in the Santa Clarita Valley.
A wildfire quickly mushroomed to 200 acres in the Santa Clarita Valley on Monday afternoon, triggering evacuations and forcing the closure of all lanes of the 14 Freeway before firefighters contained it to 130 acres.
The Elsmere fire was first reported about 1:50 p.m. in the area of the northbound 14 and Newhall Avenue, and within half an hour had grown to 100 acres, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
By about 3 p.m., the fire was 200 acres and 0% contained, officials said. Shortly after, the San Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department announced that all evacuation orders had been lifted after an order was issued for all residents between between Dockweiler Drive and Newhall Avenue, and from Sierra Highway to Valle de Oro., Officials also issued an evacuation warning for the neighborhood north of Valle de Oro.
“Stay alert to any changing conditions,” the department tweeted.
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At 4 p.m., the fire decreased to 130 acres, and some lanes that had been shut down reopened.
The third lane on the northbound 5 Freeway north of State Route 138 is currently open, while the fourth lane remains closed, according to California Highway Patrol. State Route 138, west of Gorman Post Road, and the Templin Ridge Route is closed indefinitely.
The #ElsmereFire has closed the northbound 14 Freeway and forced evacuations in the Newhall area. Details: https://t.co/k9iaTaa5Ds pic.twitter.com/Gx3wxmFPiU — KTLA (@KTLA) August 3, 2020
Times staff writer Colleen Shalby contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-08-03--California has the most coronavirus cases of any state, but there are signs of hope, Newsom says

After a record-breaking month of fatalities linked to the coronavirus pandemic , California hit a grim milestone over the weekend : 500,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the most of any state .
The overall increase in cases , now more than 516,000 , comes as deaths surge .
In July , California broke the single-day record for deaths five times , and three of those record-setting days occurred last week .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Monday that the Central Valley has overtaken Imperial County as the state ’ s hot spot .
Eight Central Valley counties have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the state .
“ We don ’ t want to see it go to where Imperial went , ” Newsom said .
Over the last two weeks , California saw an average of 121 deaths per day , Newsom said .
On Friday , the state reported 214 fatalities , 21 % more than the previous record , set two days prior .
Still , there are some early signs of hope , Newsom said .
The number of people hospitalized statewide has fallen about 10 % over two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen by 5 % , he said .
The share of positive COVID-19 tests has fallen to 7 % , even as the state has significantly expanded its testing capacity , Newsom said .
The rate of Californians testing positive is “ not where it needs to be , and it ’ s still too high , ” he noted .
“ But again , it ’ s good to see this number trending down , not trending up.
” Newsom attributed the modest improvements to better adherence to mask rules and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult ” state rules that shut down bars and other industries .
But two weeks of data heading in the right direction are not enough to instill confidence , he said .
“ We can quickly find ourselves back to where we were just a few weeks ago , a month ago , with significant increases if we do not maintain our vigilance , if we do not maintain our focus , ” Newsom said .
“ This virus is not going away .
It ’ s not just going to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not going to take Halloween off , the holidays off.
” About 97 % of the state ’ s residents live in a county that Newsom has flagged for high rates of disease transmission , high rates of positive tests or both .
The 38 counties on the watchlist include every county in the Bay Area and in Southern California .
L.A. County health officials Monday expressed optimism that community spread of the coronavirus has slowed , saying this may be due to fewer opportunities for transmission in high-risk settings .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases per day in the last week , down from a couple of weeks ago , when the daily count topped 3,000 .
On Monday , the Department of Public Health reported more than 1,600 new cases and 12 deaths , as well as 1,784 people hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
The county ’ s seven-day positivity rate , or the average number of positive test results among all those tested in that period , remained mostly flat during July — hovering between 8 % and 8.8 % .
The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said , noting that the current average of 2,000 hospitalizations is down from 2,200 in the middle of July .
Officials cited bar closures and businesses shifting from indoor to outdoor operations several weeks ago for the gains .
“ The key indicators that we closely monitor at Public Health are looking positive , and I want to give credit to a large number of our county residents who heeded our orders and took the personal , basic actions needed to slow this virus , ” Barbara Ferrer , director of L.A. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said in a statement .
“ But for our long-term success , we need to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19 .
We can ’ t simply go back to life as we knew it before March .
We unfortunately still have a long way to go ; we must remain vigilant.
” In Imperial County , a surge in COVID-19 cases earlier this summer left the county ’ s two hospitals so overwhelmed that more than 650 patients were moved to healthcare facilities in other parts of the state , Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases is now steadily falling .
In the Central Valley , Kern County is seeing 1,370 positive cases per 100,000 residents , the most in the state , according to the Los Angeles Times coronavirus tracker .
Kings , Merced , Colusa , Tulare , Stanislaus , Fresno and San Joaquin counties are all seeing more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents .
The pandemic continues to disproportionately affect Black and Latino residents , and the disparity is widening .
After adjusting for population , Latino residents are now 3.1 times more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three-quarters of California ’ s COVID-19 victims have been older than 65 , according to state data .
But the share of younger people who are sickened and hospitalized is rising .
The first child in California to die of complications from COVID-19 was a teenager in Fresno , officials said last week .
“ This is a sober reminder of how deadly this disease is , and how it can impact anybody , ” Newsom said .

After a record-breaking month of fatalities linked to the coronavirus pandemic, California hit a grim milestone over the weekend: 500,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the most of any state.
The overall increase in cases, now more than 516,000, comes as deaths surge. In July, California broke the single-day record for deaths five times, and three of those record-setting days occurred last week.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that the Central Valley has overtaken Imperial County as the state’s hot spot. Eight Central Valley counties have seen hospitalization and infection rates that far outpace the rest of the state.
“We don’t want to see it go to where Imperial went,” Newsom said.
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Nurse Jeanette Pimentel checks on COVID-19 patient Pedro Luera, who was airlifted from El Centro in Imperial County to Paradise Valley Hospital in National City. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Over the last two weeks, California saw an average of 121 deaths per day, Newsom said. On Friday, the state reported 214 fatalities, 21% more than the previous record, set two days prior.
Still, there are some early signs of hope, Newsom said. The number of people hospitalized statewide has fallen about 10% over two weeks, and admissions to intensive care units have fallen by 5%, he said.
The share of positive COVID-19 tests has fallen to 7%, even as the state has significantly expanded its testing capacity, Newsom said.
The rate of Californians testing positive is “not where it needs to be, and it’s still too high,” he noted. “But again, it’s good to see this number trending down, not trending up.”
Newsom attributed the modest improvements to better adherence to mask rules and social distancing and new “very, very difficult” state rules that shut down bars and other industries.
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California Coronavirus surge turns the Southland inside out Second wave of coronavirus has businesses and the public moving from indoors to the great outdoors
But two weeks of data heading in the right direction are not enough to instill confidence, he said.
“We can quickly find ourselves back to where we were just a few weeks ago, a month ago, with significant increases if we do not maintain our vigilance, if we do not maintain our focus,” Newsom said. “This virus is not going away. It’s not just going to take Labor Day weekend off. It’s not going to take Halloween off, the holidays off.”
About 97% of the state’s residents live in a county that Newsom has flagged for high rates of disease transmission, high rates of positive tests or both. The 38 counties on the watchlist include every county in the Bay Area and in Southern California.
L.A. County health officials Monday expressed optimism that community spread of the coronavirus has slowed, saying this may be due to fewer opportunities for transmission in high-risk settings.
Officials said there were an average of 2,600 cases per day in the last week, down from a couple of weeks ago, when the daily count topped 3,000. On Monday, the Department of Public Health reported more than 1,600 new cases and 12 deaths, as well as 1,784 people hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The county’s seven-day positivity rate, or the average number of positive test results among all those tested in that period, remained mostly flat during July — hovering between 8% and 8.8%. The number of hospitalizations has been trending downward, officials said, noting that the current average of 2,000 hospitalizations is down from 2,200 in the middle of July.
Officials cited bar closures and businesses shifting from indoor to outdoor operations several weeks ago for the gains.
“The key indicators that we closely monitor at Public Health are looking positive, and I want to give credit to a large number of our county residents who heeded our orders and took the personal, basic actions needed to slow this virus,” Barbara Ferrer, director of L.A. County’s Department of Public Health, said in a statement.
“But for our long-term success, we need to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19. We can’t simply go back to life as we knew it before March. We unfortunately still have a long way to go; we must remain vigilant.”
Paramedic Derek Hughes at the Mercy Air ambulance base at Imperial County Airport. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
In Imperial County, a surge in COVID-19 cases earlier this summer left the county’s two hospitals so overwhelmed that more than 650 patients were moved to healthcare facilities in other parts of the state, Newsom said. The number of new daily cases is now steadily falling.
In the Central Valley, Kern County is seeing 1,370 positive cases per 100,000 residents, the most in the state, according to the Los Angeles Times coronavirus tracker. Kings, Merced, Colusa, Tulare, Stanislaus, Fresno and San Joaquin counties are all seeing more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents.
The pandemic continues to disproportionately affect Black and Latino residents, and the disparity is widening. After adjusting for population, Latino residents are now 3.1 times more likely to test positive than white people.
Three-quarters of California’s COVID-19 victims have been older than 65, according to state data. But the share of younger people who are sickened and hospitalized is rising.
The first child in California to die of complications from COVID-19 was a teenager in Fresno, officials said last week.
“This is a sober reminder of how deadly this disease is, and how it can impact anybody,” Newsom said.


latimes--2020-08-03--Former UCLA gynecologist faces 17 additional felony charges

Los Angeles County prosecutors dramatically expanded their case against a former UCLA gynecologist on Monday , charging him with 17 additional felonies related to his alleged sexual abuse of five former patients .
Dr. James M. Heaps , 67 , who was already facing three similar charges of alleged abuse against two other former patients , was handcuffed and taken into custody .
His bond was set at $ 650,000 .
Prosecutors allege that Heaps abused the women during medical exams over a seven-year span , from 2011 to 2018 .
The charges include sexual battery by fraud , sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an unconscious person , according to the complaint .
Heaps pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court Sept. 15 .
If convicted as charged , Heaps faces a possible maximum sentence of more than 67 years in state prison , according to the district attorney ’ s office .
Outside the courtroom , Heaps ’ attorney Leonard Levine said several former patients have come forward in support of his client .
“ When this case gets into court , Dr. Heaps will be totally exonerated , ” Levine said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of former patients have filed lawsuits against him , alleging various sexual abuse .
Heaps was affiliated with UCLA from 1983 to 2018 .
From 1990 to January 2014 , he worked in private practice .
Heaps retired in June 2018 .
UCLA did not disclose that he had been the subject of complaints and investigations until a year later , when he was charged .

Dr. James M. Heaps, a former UCLA gynecologist, was charged Monday with 17 additional felonies related to sexual misconduct and abuse alleged by five former patients.
Los Angeles County prosecutors dramatically expanded their case against a former UCLA gynecologist on Monday, charging him with 17 additional felonies related to his alleged sexual abuse of five former patients.
Dr. James M. Heaps, 67, who was already facing three similar charges of alleged abuse against two other former patients, was handcuffed and taken into custody. His bond was set at $650,000.
Prosecutors allege that Heaps abused the women during medical exams over a seven-year span, from 2011 to 2018. The charges include sexual battery by fraud, sexual exploitation of a patient and sexual penetration of an unconscious person, according to the complaint.
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Heaps pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court Sept. 15.
If convicted as charged, Heaps faces a possible maximum sentence of more than 67 years in state prison, according to the district attorney’s office.
Outside the courtroom, Heaps’ attorney Leonard Levine said several former patients have come forward in support of his client.
“When this case gets into court, Dr. Heaps will be totally exonerated,” Levine said.
Since Heaps’ arrest, dozens of former patients have filed lawsuits against him, alleging various sexual abuse.
Heaps was affiliated with UCLA from 1983 to 2018. From 1990 to January 2014, he worked in private practice.
California Former UCLA Health gynecologist’s behavior with patient constituted sexual assault, report finds The behavior of a prominent UCLA Health gynecologist during an exam with a married mother of four amounted to sexual assault and harassment, according to an investigative report by the university made public Thursday.
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Heaps retired in June 2018. UCLA did not disclose that he had been the subject of complaints and investigations until a year later, when he was charged.
Times staff writer Nina Agrawal contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-08-03--L.A. Councilman Jose Huizar enters not guilty plea in City Hall corruption case

Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar pleaded not guilty on Monday to bribery , money laundering and an array of other charges , his first public response to the allegations in the corruption probe since prosecutors began securing guilty pleas from others in the case .
Prosecutors announced last week that Huizar had been indicted on 34 felony counts , including wire fraud , mail fraud , tax evasion and giving false statements to investigators , which follow a previous allegation that he had been heading a criminal enterprise involving real estate developers , City Hall supplicants and an assortment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask , entered his plea while appearing before a federal judge by video conference .
His lawyers had previously declined to address the allegations lodged by federal prosecutors , saying they intended to wage a defense in court .
It was the councilman ’ s first court appearance since he received permission to have two deputy federal public defenders , Charles Snyder and Carel Alé , represent him in the probe .
After he was arrested in June on a racketeering charge , City Controller Ron Galperin halted payment of the councilman ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 214,000 annually .
A federal judge later determined that Huizar , who was first elected to the council in 2005 , lacks the financial resources to “ pay fully for retained counsel , ” instructing him to pay the court $ 3,000 per month while he is represented by the public defender ’ s office .
Huizar , 51 , has been accused of securing a wide array of bribes , including cash , luxury hotel stays , expensive suits , campaign donations and other perks from businessmen looking to develop multi-story real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit from that development in other ways .
Prosecutors said he had received at least $ 1.5 million in “ illicit financial benefits.
” The 113-page indictment , and a related affidavit filed two months ago , said Huizar relied on family members to launder the bribe proceeds .
The documents offer a series of sordid allegations about the councilman , with prosecutors alleging that : — A Chinese billionaire seeking to build a 77-story skyscraper downtown provided $ 600,000 in collateral for a loan that helped the councilman quietly settle a sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former staffer .
— Huizar took out a loan from a company connected with that billionaire , which came with an $ 800,000 balloon payment that would have come due this month , had Huizar not stopped making payments on it altogether , investigators said .
— A businessman who wanted Huizar to introduce him to real estate developers provided the councilman escorts , $ 10,000 in cash per month and free hotel stays so that Huizar could carry out an affair .
Prosecutors said Huizar instructed that businessman not to tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whom he referred to as “ dessert.
” — A real estate consultant , who later pleaded guilty in the case , complained that Huizar had asked him to coordinate a trip to Cuba for Huizar and a woman with whom the councilman was allegedly having an affair .
The consultant declined , fearing that it would expose their corrupt relationships , prosecutors said .
“ I told [ Huizar ] , I said look , we ’ re all gon na be on record and if something happens , everything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultant said , according to the indictment filed last week .
A trial-setting conference in the case is scheduled for Wednesday .

Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, pictured in 2011, pleaded not guilty on Monday to racketeering, bribery, money laundering and other federal charges.
Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar pleaded not guilty on Monday to bribery, money laundering and an array of other charges, his first public response to the allegations in the corruption probe since prosecutors began securing guilty pleas from others in the case.
Prosecutors announced last week that Huizar had been indicted on 34 felony counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion and giving false statements to investigators, which follow a previous allegation that he had been heading a criminal enterprise involving real estate developers, City Hall supplicants and an assortment of bribes.
Huizar, wearing a mask, entered his plea while appearing before a federal judge by video conference. His lawyers had previously declined to address the allegations lodged by federal prosecutors, saying they intended to wage a defense in court.
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It was the councilman’s first court appearance since he received permission to have two deputy federal public defenders, Charles Snyder and Carel Alé, represent him in the probe. After he was arrested in June on a racketeering charge, City Controller Ron Galperin halted payment of the councilman’s salary, which was nearly $214,000 annually.
A federal judge later determined that Huizar, who was first elected to the council in 2005, lacks the financial resources to “pay fully for retained counsel,” instructing him to pay the court $3,000 per month while he is represented by the public defender’s office.
Huizar, 51, has been accused of securing a wide array of bribes, including cash, luxury hotel stays, expensive suits, campaign donations and other perks from businessmen looking to develop multi-story real estate projects in his district, or profit from that development in other ways. Prosecutors said he had received at least $1.5 million in “illicit financial benefits.”
The 113-page indictment, and a related affidavit filed two months ago, said Huizar relied on family members to launder the bribe proceeds. The documents offer a series of sordid allegations about the councilman, with prosecutors alleging that:
— A Chinese billionaire seeking to build a 77-story skyscraper downtown provided $600,000 in collateral for a loan that helped the councilman quietly settle a sexual harassment lawsuit lodged against him by a former staffer.
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— Huizar took out a loan from a company connected with that billionaire, which came with an $800,000 balloon payment that would have come due this month, had Huizar not stopped making payments on it altogether, investigators said.
— A businessman who wanted Huizar to introduce him to real estate developers provided the councilman escorts, $10,000 in cash per month and free hotel stays so that Huizar could carry out an affair. Prosecutors said Huizar instructed that businessman not to tell the FBI about his use of escort/prostitution services, whom he referred to as “dessert.”
— A real estate consultant, who later pleaded guilty in the case, complained that Huizar had asked him to coordinate a trip to Cuba for Huizar and a woman with whom the councilman was allegedly having an affair. The consultant declined, fearing that it would expose their corrupt relationships, prosecutors said.
“I told [Huizar], I said look, we’re all gonna be on record and if something happens, everything, everyone’s dead,” the consultant said, according to the indictment filed last week.
A trial-setting conference in the case is scheduled for Wednesday.


latimes--2020-08-03--Ventura County trails to remain closed through September amid coronavirus concerns

A popular Ventura County hiking area will remain off-limits for the next two months as officials look to stave off potentially unsafe crowding conditions amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
Under an order from the Los Padres National Forest , part of Santa Paula Canyon — from the forest boundary to about three miles above the area known as the Punch Bowl — will remain closed until Sept. 30 .
Also closed will be the Big Cone , Cross and Jackson Hole campgrounds and the Last Chance Trail .
“ This extension was implemented due to the increasingly heavy vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating conditions where recommended physical distancing protocol is not possible , ” officials said of the new restrictions .
Violations will be punishable by a fine , potentially as much as $ 5,000 for an individual , and up to six months ’ imprisonment , according to the order .
Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail in Ojai Valley originally closed in May after crowds of cooped-up Californians flocked to the area .
As visitors descended in droves , officials said the Punch Bowl area was inundated with litter and human waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for concern , as officials stressed the need to avoid gathering in groups to help prevent transmission of the coronavirus .
Officials said hundreds of volunteers have since worked to remove thousands of pounds of trash and clean graffiti from the canyon .
“ The unnecessary damage to this area was very disheartening , but from that there was a very positive outcome when an amazing group of volunteers decided they were going to reclaim this special place , ” acting Ojai District Ranger Karina Gutierrez said in a statement .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next two months while the area is closed so the land can begin to heal .
”

Highway 33 winds through the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County.
A popular Ventura County hiking area will remain off-limits for the next two months as officials look to stave off potentially unsafe crowding conditions amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Under an order from the Los Padres National Forest, part of Santa Paula Canyon — from the forest boundary to about three miles above the area known as the Punch Bowl — will remain closed until Sept. 30.
Also closed will be the Big Cone, Cross and Jackson Hole campgrounds and the Last Chance Trail.
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“This extension was implemented due to the increasingly heavy vehicle traffic and large groups of visitors potentially creating conditions where recommended physical distancing protocol is not possible,” officials said of the new restrictions.
Violations will be punishable by a fine, potentially as much as $5,000 for an individual, and up to six months’ imprisonment, according to the order.
This map shows the area covered by the recent Los Padres National Forest closure order in Ventura County. (Los Padres National Forest)
Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail in Ojai Valley originally closed in May after crowds of cooped-up Californians flocked to the area.
As visitors descended in droves, officials said the Punch Bowl area was inundated with litter and human waste. The crowds themselves also were cause for concern, as officials stressed the need to avoid gathering in groups to help prevent transmission of the coronavirus.
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Officials said hundreds of volunteers have since worked to remove thousands of pounds of trash and clean graffiti from the canyon.
“The unnecessary damage to this area was very disheartening, but from that there was a very positive outcome when an amazing group of volunteers decided they were going to reclaim this special place,” acting Ojai District Ranger Karina Gutierrez said in a statement. “We will continue working with this group over the next two months while the area is closed so the land can begin to heal.”


latimes--2020-08-03--Five residents file lawsuit alleging LAPD falsely labeled them as gang members

Five residents allege in a lawsuit filed Sunday that Los Angeles police officers labeled them gang members without evidence as part of a broader pattern of corruption that has caused irreparable harm to them and many others .
Citing a growing scandal in which LAPD officers stand accused of lying about gang affiliations on field interview cards , the litigants are seeking class-action status to sue on behalf of thousands of people who they say “ have been victims of scofflaw Los Angeles Police Department officers who filed fraudulent reports , lied under oath , and abused gang database systems.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who have been categorized and dehumanized , ” said Humberto Guizar , an attorney for the plaintiffs .
“ A law that was meant to stop gang violence was used incorrectly by the police department and subverted to the point where they criminalized thousands of people.
” One plaintiff , Sara Ochoa , alleged she worked as a California corrections officer until LAPD officers in January misclassified her as a gang associate “ simply for going back to visit ” the East L.A. neighborhood where she grew up .
Guizar said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lost her job because of the incident and gang label even though she faces no charges .
“ She ’ s trying to make it out of the systemic cesspool we live in , she makes it out , and then this is what they do to her ?
” he asked .
A second plaintiff , Jajuan Johnson , alleged that LAPD officers pulled over a vehicle in which he was a passenger , then “ blatantly lied in the police report they authored ” by contending he was a Bloods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Branden Costa , alleged LAPD officers accused him of a shooting and falsely labeled him as a gang member to bolster their case , even though video surveillance from that day showed he was elsewhere at the time of the shooting and could not have pulled the trigger .
“ Although Mr. Costa was acquitted of all charges , the falsely contrived gang identification followed him and has plagued his life every day since , causing him incalculable suffering and damage , ” the lawsuit states .
An LAPD spokesman declined to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , filed in U.S. District Court , represents the latest volley in a scandal that broke early this year and has grown in recent weeks .
Three LAPD officers — Braxton Shaw , Michael Coblentz and Nicolas Martinez — were charged with falsifying records and obstructing justice in a 59-count complaint filed by Dist .
Atty .
Jackie Lacey ’ s office last month that alleged they claimed without evidence that people they had stopped were gang members or associates .
That case is pending .
Prosecutors said last week that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shaw , Coblentz and Martinez were listed as potential witnesses , to see if they can stand or should be dropped or reopened .
Guizar said Shaw was involved in some of the arrests noted in the lawsuit .
Shaw ’ s attorney has previously said Shaw did nothing wrong and always followed directives from his superior officers .
LAPD officials and prosecutors have also acknowledged that more than 20 additional officers remain under investigation in relation to gang labeling on field interview cards .
The LAPD launched its investigation into field cards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned that her son had been identified as a gang member and challenged the assertion .
A review of body-worn camera footage found inaccuracies in what an officer had recorded in relation to her son , and police agreed to remove him from a gang database while they conducted a broader review .
In recent weeks , in response to growing protests over police abuses and calls from activists , LAPD officials announced they would stop adding names to the statewide CalGang database .

Five local residents are suing the LAPD, alleging officers falsely labeled them as gang members.
Five residents allege in a lawsuit filed Sunday that Los Angeles police officers labeled them gang members without evidence as part of a broader pattern of corruption that has caused irreparable harm to them and many others.
Citing a growing scandal in which LAPD officers stand accused of lying about gang affiliations on field interview cards, the litigants are seeking class-action status to sue on behalf of thousands of people who they say “have been victims of scofflaw Los Angeles Police Department officers who filed fraudulent reports, lied under oath, and abused gang database systems.”
“We believe there are thousands of people who have been categorized and dehumanized,” said Humberto Guizar, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “A law that was meant to stop gang violence was used incorrectly by the Police Department and subverted to the point where they criminalized thousands of people.”
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One plaintiff, Sara Ochoa, alleged she worked as a California corrections officer until LAPD officers in January misclassified her as a gang associate “simply for going back to visit” the East L.A. neighborhood where she grew up.
Guizar said Ochoa, a Latina mother of five, lost her job because of the incident and gang label even though she faces no charges.
“She’s trying to make it out of the systemic cesspool we live in, she makes it out, and then this is what they do to her?” he asked.
A second plaintiff, Jajuan Johnson, alleged that LAPD officers pulled over a vehicle in which he was a passenger, then “blatantly lied in the police report they authored” by contending he was a Bloods gang member.
A third plaintiff, Branden Costa, alleged LAPD officers accused him of a shooting and falsely labeled him as a gang member to bolster their case, even though video surveillance from that day showed he was elsewhere at the time of the shooting and could not have pulled the trigger.
“Although Mr. Costa was acquitted of all charges, the falsely contrived gang identification followed him and has plagued his life every day since, causing him incalculable suffering and damage,” the lawsuit states.
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An LAPD spokesman declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, represents the latest volley in a scandal that broke early this year and has grown in recent weeks.
Three LAPD officers — Braxton Shaw, Michael Coblentz and Nicolas Martinez — were charged with falsifying records and obstructing justice in a 59-count complaint filed by Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey’s office last month that alleged they claimed without evidence that people they had stopped were gang members or associates. That case is pending.
Prosecutors said last week that they are reviewing hundreds of criminal cases in which Shaw, Coblentz and Martinez were listed as potential witnesses, to see if they can stand or should be dropped or reopened.
Guizar said Shaw was involved in some of the arrests noted in the lawsuit. Shaw’s attorney has previously said Shaw did nothing wrong and always followed directives from his superior officers.
LAPD officials and prosecutors have also acknowledged that more than 20 additional officers remain under investigation in relation to gang labeling on field interview cards.
The LAPD launched its investigation into field cards last year after a Van Nuys mother learned that her son had been identified as a gang member and challenged the assertion. A review of body-worn camera footage found inaccuracies in what an officer had recorded in relation to her son, and police agreed to remove him from a gang database while they conducted a broader review.
In recent weeks, in response to growing protests over police abuses and calls from activists, LAPD officials announced they would stop adding names to the statewide CalGang database.
Times staff writer Emily Alpert Reyes contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-08-03--Frank Ocean's younger brother, Ryan Breaux, reportedly killed in Thousand Oaks car crash

A fiery crash early Sunday in Thousand Oaks left two people dead , and social media accounts indicate one of the victims was the younger brother of singer Frank Ocean .
Neither family members nor authorities have confirmed his identity , but friends on social media identified 18-year-old Ryan Breaux as one of two young men who died in the single-car crash .
The Ventura County Medical Examiner ’ s Office was not immediately available for comment Monday .
Cal State Northridge identified the other victim as Ezekial Bishop , a track and field student-athlete who enrolled in the university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are deeply saddened to hear of Ezekial ’ s passing , ” athletic director Mike Izzi said in a post on the school ’ s website .
“ Any loss of life is tragic , and to lose someone so young is absolutely heartbreaking .
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ezekial ’ s family at this extremely difficult time.
” The Thousand Oaks Police Department and Ventura County Fire Department responded about 1:30 a.m. Sunday to a crash at Westlake Boulevard , north of Skelton Canyon Circle .
The vehicle was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were pronounced dead at the scene , according to the Ventura County Sheriff ’ s Department .
An early investigation shows the car was traveling south when it left the roadway and struck a tree in the center median .
Ocean , whose real name is Christopher Breaux , has not made a public comment about his brother .
It ’ s largely believed that Ocean ’ s 2011 song “ Orion , ” from his “ Lonny Breaux ” mixtape , is about his younger brother .
The lyrics include “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy I was/Cause if it didn ’ t go as I planned it/At least you ’ d double my chances.
” Later the singer tells him to promise “ big bro bro one thing that you won ’ t go wasting time he won ’ t waste time.
” Paris Brosnan , the son of actor Pierce Brosnan and a friend of Ryan Breaux ’ s , described him as a “ leader.
” “ To my brother , who was talented beyond belief , possessed a heart of gold , had an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & laugh that lifted everyone ’ s spirit , and was a loyal and authentic friend to anyone he knew .
You were just getting started and ready to show the world who you were .
You were a leader and you had a whole army of loyal soldiers behind you , ” Brosnan wrote on Instagram .
The post also paid tribute to Bishop , who was a native of Westlake Village and recently placed 24th in the long jump at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships .
“ We will all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CSUN head track and field coach Justin Johnson said .
“ Personally , I am grateful for the opportunity I had to know him , and professionally I will miss him dearly , as he was an honor to coach .
“ Zeek had an incredibly bright personality and everyone loved him .
He was a dedicated teammate , friend and a leader whose smile and laugh we will miss .
I am still shocked and broken-hearted for his family , our team and his friends ... and want them all to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but more importantly a great young man , and he will always be a Matador .
”

A fiery crash early Sunday in Thousand Oaks left two people dead, and social media accounts indicate one of the victims was the younger brother of singer Frank Ocean.
Neither family members nor authorities have confirmed his identity, but friends on social media identified 18-year-old Ryan Breaux as one of two young men who died in the single-car crash. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office was not immediately available for comment Monday.
Cal State Northridge identified the other victim as Ezekial Bishop, a track and field student-athlete who enrolled in the university for the spring 2020 semester.
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“We are deeply saddened to hear of Ezekial’s passing,” athletic director Mike Izzi said in a post on the school’s website. “Any loss of life is tragic, and to lose someone so young is absolutely heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ezekial’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
The Thousand Oaks Police Department and Ventura County Fire Department responded about 1:30 a.m. Sunday to a crash at Westlake Boulevard, north of Skelton Canyon Circle. The vehicle was on fire, and two people inside were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
An early investigation shows the car was traveling south when it left the roadway and struck a tree in the center median.
Ocean, whose real name is Christopher Breaux, has not made a public comment about his brother.
It’s largely believed that Ocean’s 2011 song “Orion,” from his “Lonny Breaux” mixtape, is about his younger brother. The lyrics include “I remember when you were born/Ohhh, how happy I was/Cause if it didn’t go as I planned it/At least you’d double my chances.”
Later the singer tells him to promise “big bro one thing/That you won’t go wasting time/won’t go wasting time.”
Paris Brosnan, the son of actor Pierce Brosnan and a friend of Ryan Breaux’s, described him as a “leader.”
“To my brother, who was talented beyond belief, possessed a heart of gold, had an energy that was infectious, a smile & laugh that lifted everyone’s spirit, and was a loyal and authentic friend to anyone he knew. You were just getting started and ready to show the world who you were. You were a leader and you had a whole army of loyal soldiers behind you,” Brosnan wrote on Instagram.
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The post also paid tribute to Bishop, who was a native of Westlake Village and recently placed 24th in the long jump at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships.
“We will all mourn the loss of Zeek,” CSUN head track and field coach Justin Johnson said. “Personally, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to know him, and professionally I will miss him dearly, as he was an honor to coach.
“Zeek had an incredibly bright personality and everyone loved him. He was a dedicated teammate, friend and a leader whose smile and laugh we will miss. I am still shocked and broken-hearted for his family, our team and his friends ... and want them all to know that Zeek was a great athlete, but more importantly a great young man, and he will always be a Matador.”


latimes--2020-08-03--Wildfire in Colusa County chars more than 500 acres

A wildfire that sprang up Sunday afternoon in Colusa County chewed through more than 500 acres as firefighters battled the blaze overnight .
The Sites fire — which started about 4:15 p.m. Sunday in the 3300 block of Sites Lodoga Road in Colusa County , roughly 80 miles northwest of Sacramento — triggered evacuations in the area .
But “ crews made great progress working on containment lines overnight , ” and the blaze was 40 % contained as of Monday morning after burning 540 acres , according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection .
No structures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 buildings are threatened by the blaze , officials said .
“ Today , crews will continue working to strengthen control lines , ” officials wrote in the latest incident update .
Approximately 240 personnel are assigned to the fire .
The cause remains under investigation , and evacuation orders remain in place around Sites Lodoga and Campground roads .
The Sites fire is one of several blazing in California .
The largest — the Apple fire — has burned 26,450 acres and forced significant evacuations in the Inland Empire .
That fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday morning .
Another , the Pond fire in San Luis Obispo County , has scorched 2,005 acres and is 60 % contained , according to Cal Fire .

The Sites fire has burned more than 500 acres in Colusa County, northwest of Sacramento.
A wildfire that sprang up Sunday afternoon in Colusa County chewed through more than 500 acres as firefighters battled the blaze overnight.
The Sites fire — which started about 4:15 p.m. Sunday in the 3300 block of Sites Lodoga Road in Colusa County, roughly 80 miles northwest of Sacramento — triggered evacuations in the area.
But “crews made great progress working on containment lines overnight,” and the blaze was 40% contained as of Monday morning after burning 540 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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No structures have been damaged or destroyed, but 12 buildings are threatened by the blaze, officials said.
“Today, crews will continue working to strengthen control lines,” officials wrote in the latest incident update.
Approximately 240 personnel are assigned to the fire. The cause remains under investigation, and evacuation orders remain in place around Sites Lodoga and Campground roads.
The Sites fire is one of several blazing in California.
The largest — the Apple fire — has burned 26,450 acres and forced significant evacuations in the Inland Empire. That fire was only 5% contained as of Monday morning.
Another, the Pond fire in San Luis Obispo County, has scorched 2,005 acres and is 60% contained, according to Cal Fire.


latimes--2020-08-03--LAUSD, teachers reach tentative deal for more predictable remote learning schedules for students

Even though they will be at home , Los Angeles students will have a predictable learning schedule that resembles a regular school day when the fall semester starts in two weeks , under a tentative agreement over rules for instruction reached by teachers and the district .
The official school day would last from 9 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. Classroom teachers are expected to work an average of six hours per day , which means that some work is expected to take place outside of the set schedule .
The school day would include daily live online interaction , small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as time to focus on the social and emotional needs of students .
There is also time for office hours , during which students and families could connect with teachers .
Schools would have the option to develop alternative schedules through a district waiver process .
It was not immediately clear how much latitude a waiver would allow .
The pact would resolve a major hurdle that was creating uncertainty among parents and teachers alike as the Aug. 18 start of the school year quickly approaches .
The union , United Teachers Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement to a vote of its membership , which is expected to take place next week .
The deal also would need the approval of the Board of Education .
The school board is scheduled to meet Tuesday .
A major item on that agenda is whether the board will put a $ 7-billion school facilities bond before voters in November .
Officials have said the bond would help replenish funds spent in response to the pandemic as well as to meet other needs .
The six-page agreement with teachers also would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preschoolers to no more than 45 minutes .
The pact also establishes work expectations for non-teaching union members such as counselors , who were paid their full-time salaries in the spring even though their duties were vague , leaving adrift some students and families for whom they provided vital services .
After campuses closed , there were numerous problems serving students with disabilities and students who needed special support because they are learning to speak English .
The deal , which is called a side-letter agreement , specifies that non-teaching union members — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will work the hours that had been expected of them prior to the campus shutdown .
Principals appear to have some latitude in assigning non-teachers duties when they can not perform their regular tasks or can not perform them in the usual way .
It had appeared as though an agreement on teaching rules would be reached late Friday afternoon , but the two sides had trouble ironing out final details .
In general , the district was pushing for a longer school day than the union , which favored more flexibility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not vast but district officials were evidently asserting that the differential would prove important over time .
The new schedule will be considerably more structured than in March , when school districts across California had to almost instantly convert from on-campus instruction to distance learning .
At that time , there were no fixed requirements for what teachers would have to do across the nation ’ s second-largest school system , although there were some expectations at individual schools .
The district and the union weathered criticism when they agreed in April to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week from teachers .
The format of instruction was essentially unspecified to give teachers and students maximum flexibility , emphasizing compassion over rigor .
Many teachers said that the flexibility allowed them to work more effectively .
Some parents , however , complained of limited contact with teachers , and student engagement was disappointing , especially among Black and Latino students and among students who were part of low-income families .
Some teachers reported a decline in student effort after the district did away with failing grades and stipulated that no student would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was when campuses shut down .
A group of parents last week threatened to sue the district if the learning environment did not improve considerably .
Concerns over academic progress spurred state lawmakers to insert instructional requirements into the budget bill , requiring teachers to take online attendance and document student learning .
The rules reimposed the state ’ s minimum daily instructional minutes of 180 for kindergarten , 230 minutes for grades 1 through 3 , and 240 minutes for grades 4 through 12 .
Before the weekend , the union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have required teachers to work online from their empty classrooms .
The district , according to the union .
In addition the district has agreed to a union demand to suspend annual performance evaluations of tenured teachers for the soon-to-begin academic year .
The union also achieved other concessions in terms of supervision and evaluation , citing the unusual circumstances of the pandemic .
Administrators , for example , must give notice before joining virtual courses and web-conferencing sessions .
And live instruction can not be recorded by the district without prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Through early Monday morning , district officials declined to discuss negotiations .
In recent interviews , however , L.A. schools Supt .
Austin Beutner has said that he and union leaders shared common cause in wanting instruction to be effective and to be carried out safely .
Under orders by Gov .
Gavin Newsom , public and private schools located in counties on the state ’ s “ watch list ” can not reopen for the start of school amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Campuses could potentially reopen once virus transmission recedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools can petition to reopen sooner .
The agreement would be in effect through December or until campuses reopen .
Negotiations are continuing over how things would work when campuses are allowed to reopen .

Gaby Regalado’s daughters, Jaqui, left, and Yuliana with headphones they received at a giveaway at the Mar Vista Family Center in April.
After a troubled and uneven spring of distance learning, Los Angeles schools will reopen in two weeks with a major reboot for learning at home that includes a structured schedule, mandatory attendance-taking and more required online time with teachers and counselors, under a tentative agreement between the teachers union and the district.
The official schedule will be shorter than a normal on-campus school day, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 2:15 p.m., with teachers expected to work an average of six hours while exercising broad discretion over how much time they spend teaching live online classes versus providing recorded sessions and supervising students working independently.
Time also will be set aside for the social and emotional needs of students and families through counseling.
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The pact appears to resolve a major hurdle that was creating uncertainty among parents as the Aug. 18 start of the school year quickly approaches.
“We have all learned from our experiences with distance learning since March and we’ve applied what we learned to this agreement,” said L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner and teachers union President Cecily Myart-Cruz in a joint statement. “Our shared goal is to provide the best possible education for students in our schools.”
Similar agreements — which specify the amount of live online instruction and establish consistent schedules for families — are being hammered out across the state and nation. San Diego Unified announced an agreement with its teachers union last week as did Green Dot Public Schools, a unionized charter-school organization that operates 19 campuses in Los Angeles and Inglewood.
After campuses closed in March due to the coronavirus, L.A. Unified and other school systems worked quickly to hand out work packets and textbooks, provide computers and Wi-Fi hotspots, and train teachers in online instruction. But in the end, say experts, the shutdown appeared to exacerbate learning gaps affecting Black and Latino students, those from low-income families and those with disabilities.
“Live, quality, instruction, consistently tracking student engagement across the year, and clear communication with parents are all more important than ever for equity this fall,” said Elisha Smith Arrillaga, executive director of Education Trust-West, an Oakland-based research and advocacy group. “We are glad this plan includes first steps in each of these areas but hope even more detail will be provided.”
The more structured, 30-hour minimum week contrasts with an agreement in April with no set schedule and a 20-hour minimum week for teachers — although many went far beyond that.
UC Berkeley education professor Bruce Fuller called the new pact a vast improvement, but added that the obvious missing piece is attention to child care and academic supervision for low-income families, including those of essential workers.
“It’s a strong model for attentive parents who can afford to stay home,” Fuller said. “But I see no specificity for how educators will connect with kids in working-class families who fail to log on with teachers,” especially, he said, those parents who “must return to work to keep food on the table, working swing shifts and irregular hours, unable to oversee their child’s online learning.”
Another quick take was offered by Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education at the University of Washington.
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Compared with other school systems her research team has looked at, the L.A. plan provides “very little time for kids to feel connected and engaged in school,” Lake said. “Given how many LAUSD kids seem to have checked out last spring and how many must be struggling with isolation, this hardly seems like a good idea.”
She added: “The day itself is shorter than most districts we’ve looked at.”
A group of parents last week threatened to sue the district if the learning environment did not improve considerably. A representative for the group said Monday they continue to weigh their options as they review the new learning plan.
Speak Up, an advocacy group that has complained about the quantity and quality of distance learning, praised the consistent schedules and daily live instruction, but said the plan contains too little teaching time, especially given the accumulated learning loss. There also needs to be an opportunity for ongoing parent input, said Katie Braude, the group’s chief executive.
Concerns over academic progress spurred state lawmakers to insert instructional requirements into the budget bill, requiring teachers to take online attendance and document student learning. The rules reimposed the state’s minimum daily instructional minutes of 180 for kindergarten, 230 minutes for grades 1 through 3, and 240 minutes for grades 4 through 12.
Paulina De Loza, 8, holds a computer issued at the Ellen Ochoa Learning Center in Cudahy in April. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Another provision of the six-page agreement would limit a session of screen time for preschoolers to no more than 45 minutes.
The pact also establishes work expectations for non-teaching union members such as counselors, nurses and librarians, some of whom had difficulty connecting with the students they served or adjusting to altered roles after campuses closed. Numerous parents have complained about inadequate services for students with disabilities and those learning English.
Noah Garcia, 3, left, and cousin Mia Porres, 4, pick up meals in March with their grandmother Zoila Umana, right, from LAUSD volunteers. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Under the tentative agreement, principals appear to have some latitude in assigning non-teachers duties when they cannot perform their regular tasks or cannot perform them in the usual way.
In addition, the district has agreed to a union demand to suspend annual performance evaluations of tenured teachers for the soon-to-begin academic year. The union also achieved other concessions in terms of supervision and evaluation. Administrators, for example, must give notice before joining virtual courses and web-conferencing sessions. And live instruction cannot be recorded by the district without prior notice and the consent of the instructor.
Negotiations continued until 10 p.m. Sunday. In general, the district was pushing for a longer school day than the union, which favored more flexibility.
Areas are cordoned off with caution tape in March at Dorsey High School. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Under orders by Gov. Gavin Newsom, public and private schools located in counties on the state’s coronavirus watchlist cannot reopen for the start of school. Campuses could potentially reopen once virus transmission recedes and stabilizes for 14 days. Elementary schools can petition to reopen sooner.
The teachers union plans to have its members vote on the agreement next week. The school board, which also must approve the pact, is scheduled to meet Tuesday and could take up the matter.
A major item already on that agenda is whether the board will put a $7-billion school facilities bond before voters in November. Officials have said the bond would help replenish funds spent in response to the pandemic as well as to meet other needs.
The agreement would be in effect through December or until campuses reopen. Negotiations are continuing over how things will work when campuses are allowed to reopen.


latimes--2020-08-03--Car malfunction sparked massive Apple fire, which swells to 26,000 acres

A massive vegetation fire that was sparked Friday afternoon by a malfunctioning vehicle has now charred more than 26,000 acres in the Inland Empire , officials said Monday .
The Apple fire was ignited by “ a diesel-fueled vehicle emitting burning carbon from the exhaust system , ” according to a statement from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Riverside County Fire Department .
Crews battling the blaze , which is burning north of Cherry Valley in Riverside County , have had to contend with challenging weather conditions , with warm temperatures and strengthening afternoon winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acres and was 5 % contained as of Monday morning , Cal Fire said .
“ Much of the fire activity is being driven by the record-low moisture content of the vegetation in the area combined with high temperatures and low relative humidity , ” officials wrote in an incident update .
“ These conditions are contributing to active fire behavior both day and night.
” Officials added that the blaze — which was first reported at 4:55 p.m. Friday in the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road — is “ burning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Roughly 2,300 fire personnel are working to douse the flames .
Multiple evacuation orders and warnings were put in place Sunday in Riverside and San Bernardino counties .
Roughly 7,800 residents in more than 2,500 households have been ordered to evacuate , officials said .
The blaze has destroyed one home .
Residents can check whether their address is in an evacuation zone at A persistent challenge for firefighters this week will be the wind , forecasters said .
Northwest winds are expected Monday , with gusts occasionally hitting 15 to 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Moreland , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego .
“ Winds are going to be the main concern , obviously , ” he said .
Gusts will be most potent in the afternoon and evening , but calmer late at night and Tuesday morning .
Although gusty conditions are expected , Moreland said fire crews should benefit from cooling temperatures later in the week , which will see highs drop by about 10 degrees from Monday to Wednesday in the burn area .
“ The bad news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening .
The good news is temperatures are going to trend cooler , ” he said .
The Apple fire is continuing to produce a massive amount of smoke , prompting the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a health advisory for nearby communities .
Officials said Sunday that the fire created a plume of smoke so massive that it generated its own winds .
Satellite imagery released by the National Weather Service that day showed smoke swirling across a swath of Arizona — even reaching Phoenix , about 300 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County ’ s public health officer , recommended that residents in areas affected by smoke and ash stay indoors as much as possible with their widows and doors closed , as well as avoid strenuous outdoor activities .
“ Residents throughout portions of the San Gorgonio Pass , particularly those living or working near the fire , need to be aware of the risks of breathing unhealthy air and take steps to keep safe , ” he said Monday .
The fire also is affecting coronavirus testing in the area .
Riverside County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site at the Noble Creek Community Center in Beaumont will relocate to the Beaumont Women ’ s Club , 306 E. 6th St. , because of the blaze .
As the fire continued to spread through the rugged canyonlands of the western San Bernardino Mountains on Monday , environmentalists feared for the safety of what is believed to be the largest canyon oak in existence , perhaps the largest oak of any species in the country .
The Champion oak is roughly 499 inches in circumference and 97 feet tall .
It towers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service land sandwiched between private holdings above Yucaipa .
Cal Fire is seeking information about the blaze from anyone who may have seen a vehicle that appeared to have mechanical problems or unusual smoke emitting from it , specifically in the area of Oak Glen Road when the fire first started , officials said Monday .
Anyone with information about the blaze is asked to make an anonymous call to a hotline at ( 800 ) 633-2836 .
Times staff writers Louis Sahagun , Alex Wigglesworth and Laura Newberry contributed to this report @

San Gorgonio Mtns, Sunday, August 2, 2020 - The Apple Fire continues to burn thousands of acres North of Banning. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
A statue of Smokey Bear is enveloped in smoke from the Apple fire at the Oak Canyon Conservation Camp near Beaumont. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A firefighter battles the Apple fire at the Oak Canyon Conservation Camp near Beaumont. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A firefighter from Carpinteria monitors a huge plume of smoke from the Apple fire along Bluff Street, north of Banning. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
The Apple fire consumes a tree at the Oak Canyon Conservation Camp near Beaumont. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The Apple fire burns in the San Bernardino Mountains above Beaumont on Saturday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
San Gorgonio Mtns, Sunday, August 2, 2020 - Riverside/CAL firefighter Anthony Vierra cools hot spots after fire swept through the Whitewater Preserve Trail, East of the Apple Fire. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
A plane drops fire retardant over a home as the out-of-control Apple fire burns around it in Cherry Valley, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
A firefighter sets back fires as the leading edge of the Apple fire rages towards the Oak Canyon Conservation Camp near Beaumont. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A sign with Smokey Bear is enveloped in smoke from the Apple fire at the Oak Canyon Conservation Camp near Beaumont. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A slow camera exposure shows the movement of the Apple fire as it continues to burn into the night in the San Bernardino National Forest just above Bluff Street in Cherry Valley. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Firefighters set back fires as the leading edge of the Apple fire rages towards the Oak Canyon Conservation Camp near Beaumont on Saturday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A shell of a burned car sits along Avenida Miravilla days after the Apple fire rushed through on its way to the nearby San Bernardino National Forest. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
A sign of gratitude along Oak Glen Road, not far from the presumptive source of the Apple fire, where investigators say they believe a spark from a diesel engine ignited dry brush. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Apple fire continues to burn thousands of acres with little containment. A helicopter hits a hot spot north of Banning. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Apple fire continues to burn thousands of acres north of Cabazon. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
A shell of a burned car sits along Avenida Miravilla days after the Apple fire rushed through on its way to the nearby San Bernardino National Forest, where it has burned more than 26,000 acres. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
A massive vegetation fire that was sparked Friday afternoon by a malfunctioning vehicle has now charred more than 26,000 acres in the Inland Empire, officials said Monday.
The Apple fire was ignited by “a diesel-fueled vehicle emitting burning carbon from the exhaust system,” according to a statement from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Riverside County Fire Department.
Crews battling the blaze, which is burning north of Cherry Valley in Riverside County, have had to contend with challenging weather conditions, with warm temperatures and strengthening afternoon winds expected.
The fire has burned 26,450 acres and was 5% contained as of Monday morning, Cal Fire said.
“Much of the fire activity is being driven by the record-low moisture content of the vegetation in the area combined with high temperatures and low relative humidity,” officials wrote in an incident update. “These conditions are contributing to active fire behavior both day and night.”
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Officials added that the blaze — which was first reported at 4:55 p.m. Friday in the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road — is “burning in an area with no recent fire history.”
Roughly 2,300 fire personnel are working to douse the flames.
Multiple evacuation orders and warnings were put in place Sunday in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Roughly 7,800 residents in more than 2,500 households have been ordered to evacuate, officials said. The blaze has destroyed one home.
Residents can check whether their address is in an evacuation zone at RivCoReady.org.
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A persistent challenge for firefighters this week will be the wind, forecasters said.
Northwest winds are expected Monday, with gusts occasionally hitting 15 to 20 mph in the fire area, said Matt Moreland, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.
Track the Apple fire Keep watch on the fire that was reported Friday evening in Cherry Valley.
“Winds are going to be the main concern, obviously,” he said.
Gusts will be most potent in the afternoon and evening, but calmer late at night and Tuesday morning.
Although gusty conditions are expected, Moreland said fire crews should benefit from cooling temperatures later in the week, which will see highs drop by about 10 degrees from Monday to Wednesday in the burn area.
“The bad news is some gusty winds in the afternoon and evening. The good news is temperatures are going to trend cooler,” he said.
The Apple fire is continuing to produce a massive amount of smoke, prompting the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a health advisory for nearby communities.
Officials said Sunday that the fire created a plume of smoke so massive that it generated its own winds.
Satellite imagery released by the National Weather Service that day showed smoke swirling across a swath of Arizona — even reaching Phoenix, about 300 miles away.
The Apple Fire will continue to produce a lot of smoke in the deserts. The near-surface smoke will be especially bad over the E half of RivCo (inc. the Coachella Valley) & will also make it up to Las Vegas. Here's the HRRR Smoke movie from the 7 AM run: https://t.co/s1Er5xxhrj — NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 3, 2020
Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County’s public health officer, recommended that residents in areas affected by smoke and ash stay indoors as much as possible with their widows and doors closed, as well as avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
“Residents throughout portions of the San Gorgonio Pass, particularly those living or working near the fire, need to be aware of the risks of breathing unhealthy air and take steps to keep safe,” he said Monday.
The fire also is affecting coronavirus testing in the area.
Riverside County officials announced Monday that the state-operated testing site at the Noble Creek Community Center in Beaumont will relocate to the Beaumont Women’s Club, 306 E. 6th St., because of the blaze.
As the fire continued to spread through the rugged canyonlands of the western San Bernardino Mountains on Monday, environmentalists feared for the safety of what is believed to be the largest canyon oak in existence, perhaps the largest oak of any species in the country.
The Champion oak is roughly 499 inches in circumference and 97 feet tall. It towers over a stream-fed canyon on U.S. Forest Service land sandwiched between private holdings above Yucaipa.
Cal Fire is seeking information about the blaze from anyone who may have seen a vehicle that appeared to have mechanical problems or unusual smoke emitting from it, specifically in the area of Oak Glen Road when the fire first started, officials said Monday. Anyone with information about the blaze is asked to make an anonymous call to a hotline at (800) 633-2836.
Times staff writers Louis Sahagun, Alex Wigglesworth and Laura Newberry contributed to this report.