latimes--2020-03-18--California schools may not reopen this school year; LAUSD begins food distribution

The state ’ s public schools are likely to be closed for the remainder of the school year in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic , a disruption that would affect the education of 6.1 million students and their families , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Tuesday .
“ Don ’ t anticipate schools are going to open up in a week .
Please don ’ t anticipate in a few weeks , ” Newsom said Tuesday during an afternoon update on the state ’ s coronavirus efforts .
“ I would plan , and assume , that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — few , if any — will open before the summer break.
” The sober school news came as larger swaths of California faced even greater restrictions on movement .
Orange County issued an order restricting all public gatherings , closing bars that don ’ t serve food and limiting restaurants to takeout service .
Millions more across the state , including those in Palm Springs and Sacramento , were ordered to shelter in place , similar to the rules imposed Monday across the Bay Area .
The virus has now claimed 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported Tuesday — one in the Coachella Valley in Riverside County and a man in his 50s in Santa Clara County who was hospitalized on March 9 .
L.A. County announced it had 147 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , up 53 from Monday .
All told , more than 470 people across California have tested positive for the virus .
California schools are all but shut down — a hardship for children and families in a state where 60 % of students quality for free or reduced price meals because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles public schools the number is even higher , at 80 % ; in Compton it ’ s at 83 % ; Pomona , 89 % .
Nationwide , well over half the states in the country have closed their public schools or ordered them to close in the coming days .
The K-12 school closures come on top of widespread actions by private colleges and state universities — including most of the University of California , to cancel in-person classes and move to online learning .
Disease control experts say aggressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and curb the rapid spread of the new coronavirus are likely to take at least eight weeks — which would extend school closures almost to the end of the academic year .
State Supt .
of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said Tuesday night that Newsom ’ s comment offers an assessment of the future school year with closed campuses , but as of now “ there is no declaration that school is over for the year.
” He said school districts need to be fully prepared to shift their method of instruction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed the potential option of extending the school year into the summer .
“ We ’ re not going to know exactly what we need to do until we have a sense of how this is all going to go , ” Thurmond said .
On Wednesday , Thurmond will lead a statewide call for school district leaders to examine the state ’ s new guidelines on how to operate , including online learning and meal distribution .
Newsom acknowledged the challenging road ahead and said that standardized testing will not take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is totally inappropriate for kids to worry ” about being tested , he said .
Teachers and students “ already have enough anxiety.
” Newsom could cancel the testing through an executive order , state officials told The Times .
He felt the need to tell everyone what he ’ s been saying to his own children .
“ I don ’ t want to mislead you , ” he said .
One of his daughters was missing her school friends on Monday night , and he had to break it to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think the schools are going to open again.
’ And if I could tell my daughter that , and not tell your daughter that , or the people , then I ’ m not being honest or true to the people of the state of California.
” Linda Darling-Hammond , president of the state board of education , put the disruption in perspective .
“ We haven ’ t had this kind of shutdown of civil society or schools since the Spanish Influenza in 1918 , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw anything like this .
And in that case as well , whole cities had to close down .
So the magnitude is enormous.
” She said this moment calls for families and communities to reflect on what they need and care about most .
“ School is one thing , but they ’ re going to be people losing their jobs , ” she said .
“ People who need to be able to pay rent , people that need to be able to eat , and we have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well.
” All hands in state government and the private sector , she said , “ are stepping up to assist or provide guidance ” to schools districts , she said .
The private sector has been assisting , with broadband access for low-income families , for example .
She acknowledged that the educational inequality between the rich and poor could be exacerbated initially by the shutdown of schools .
But , she hopes “ a lot more kids are going to have devices in the home , and a lot more neighborhoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have it because of all of the contributions that are coming in.
” Schools will quickly develop new ways to teach and learn with technology , she said .
“ I don ’ t think school will go back to being entirely the way it was in the country.
” Access to food and nutrition is another concern weighing on school districts .
Los Angeles Unified this week has been ramping up “ grab and go ” food services to help feed more than half a million children displaced by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Children from poor and low-income families usually receive their weekday breakfast and lunch and , in some cases , dinner on campus .
Starting on Wednesday , parents and students can pick up food at 60 sites scattered throughout the nation ’ s second-largest school district .
in Los Angeles and information about other resources have been published on the district website .
All the locations are set up for both drive-through and walk-up distribution .
Volunteers will provide up to two packaged meals per person between 7 a.m. and 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand-wash station and supplies to check the temperature of workers .
Because workers are separated from those receiving food , officials said , it won ’ t be necessary to conduct health screenings for those receiving food .
Organizers don ’ t want the distribution centers themselves to be a vector for transmitting the coronavirus , which is why they are concerned about how people line up to receive food .
Each family will be asked to stand about six feet apart as they await their turn .
No advance sign-up is required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many people will show up for meals .
Officials say that for now , they will have 400,000 meals available per day .
L.A. schools Supt .
Austin Beutner said no one would be turned away , whether or not they have a connection to the school system .
“ Our intent is to serve children , but if adults ask , we will offer and we ’ re going to serve those in need , ” Beutner .
“ These are not ordinary days ... our goal is to help as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning , teachers in most closed schools are trying to continue instruction through online coursework and extended homework assignments .
L.A. Unified also has partnered with PBS SoCal to provide expanded educational programming .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti , who has issued his own unprecedented orders , closing down bars , gyms and dining in restaurants , said on Tuesday that the governor ’ s warning on school closures came as no surprise .
He sympathizes with the difficulties many families are facing , and he himself has suddenly become a science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his daughter .
The city is looking into best practices around the country , and up and down California , to see what childcare could be provided .
Broadband access and the ability to continue learning are all concerns , he said , but the health considerations must remain paramount .
“ We know this will be a tough period , ” he said , “ but we know the most loving thing you can do for your child is to make sure that they don ’ t get hit by COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your loved ones .
”

Jonathan Mitchell, 12, left, and Jason Garcia, 11, sixth-graders at Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Los Angeles, eat corn dogs after receiving free box lunches at the Dream Center in Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Students leave John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles at the end of the school day on Friday. The campus closed the following Monday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times )
Students hug as they are let out of school at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Blake Anderson, left, a freshman, walks with his father, Oree Anderson, as school is let out at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles just before campuses closed down. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Courtney Johnson, left, Benjula Prasad and Cindy King prepare the to-go meals to be handed out at the Dorsey High food distribution center. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
Gloria Murrietta, who works in LAUSD food services, delivers food that will be distributed to drivers in vehicles at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
Alake Ilegbameh, with his three school-age children, gets to-go meals at Dorsey High on Wednesday from LAUSD employee Benjula Prasad. “May God continue to bless you,” he said. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
About 400,000 “grab-and-go” meals were prepped and ready to be distributed Wednesday to Los Angeles students and families — a new daily ritual likely to continue for months since Gov. Gavin Newsom said all public schools in California might remain shuttered for the rest of the school year.
Los Angeles Unified officials are ramping up support and food services for the more than half a million children affected by the shutdown — most of whom rely on school for their weekday breakfast and lunch, sometimes even dinner. Across the state, school districts from San Francisco to Fresno and San Diego have been setting up to do the same.
“I’m just so impressed with so many school districts that are jumping on this so quickly to make sure their students are fed,” said Lisa Melhouse, associate director of the California Department of Education’s Nutrition Services. “I can’t say it enough.”
Districts are using school bus routes to reach students. Food trucks, community centers and food banks have also offered to find ways to help not just the students, but also their families. Partnerships have popped up around the state.
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Schools shut statewide
California schools are all but shut down — a hardship for children and families in a state where 60% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals because they are members of low-income households. In Los Angeles public schools, the percentage is even higher, with 80% of students who qualify; in Compton, it’s 83%; Pomona, 89%.
Nationwide, well over half the states in the country have also closed their public schools or ordered them to close in the coming days.
The K-12 school closures come on top of widespread actions by private colleges and state universities — including most of the University of California, to cancel in-person classes and move to online learning.
In a sober update Tuesday afternoon, Newsom told parents and educators that he expected the state’s public schools to remain closed in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic — a disruption that would affect the education of 6.1 million students and their families.
“Don’t anticipate schools are going to open up in a week. Please don’t anticipate in a few weeks,” Newsom said. “I would plan, and assume, that it’s unlikely that many of these schools — few, if any — will open before the summer break.”
These remarks came as larger swaths of California faced even greater restrictions on movement. Orange County issued an order restricting all public gatherings, closing bars that don’t serve food and limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery service.
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Millions of people across the state, including those in Palm Springs and Sacramento, were ordered to shelter in place, similar to the rules imposed Monday across the Bay Area.
Disease control experts say aggressive measures to “flatten the curve” and curb the rapid spread of the coronavirus are likely to take at least eight weeks — which would extend school closures almost to the end of the academic year.
State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said Tuesday night that Newsom’s comment offered an assessment of the future school year with closed campuses, but as of now, he said, “there is no declaration that school is over for the year.” He said school districts needed to be fully prepared to shift their method of instruction.
He added that officials had not yet discussed the potential option of extending the school year into the summer.
“We’re not going to know exactly what we need to do until we have a sense of how this is all going to go,” Thurmond said.
On Wednesday, Thurmond and school district leaders statewide were examining the state’s new guidelines on how to operate, including online learning and meal distribution.
Los Angeles school board member George McKenna expressed both hope and frustration Wednesday. The past few days have been a whirlwind of swift changes, but he’s not quite accepted the governor’s comments that traditional schooling on campus may be done for the year.
“I think that gives people the wrong message that it’s a definitive, that schools would be out for the rest of the year. And that’s not true. We don’t know yet,” he said. “I know that we need to keep our children safe, but we can go overboard, and you can see the community going overboard with hoarding and wiping out what’s in the markets and all of that. But I think some stability will come in a couple of days.”
McKenna said the school board and senior leadership would reassess the situation Monday as they plan next necessary steps. The district is doing what it can to provide academic support to students, he said. But L.A. Unified students already were dealing with inadequate resources and the coronavirus crisis only exacerbates that problem.
“It’s a tough thing and parents have to leave the home to go to work — those who can go to work. So what happens to the children? There’s a question we’re not answering now. We’re just saying: ‘Do the best you can and we’re with you and we love you,’ ” he said. “But it feels sometimes like we’re flying the plane and repairing it at the same time.”
The governor acknowledged the challenging road ahead and added that standardized testing would not take place this spring. “We think it is totally inappropriate for kids to worry” about being tested, Newsom said. Teachers and students “already have enough anxiety.”
On Wednesday, he canceled the testing by executive order.
The governor said he didn’t want to “mislead” Californians so he was relaying the same message he had given his children. One of his daughters was missing her school friends on Monday night, and he said he had to break it to her: “Honey, I don’t think the schools are going to open again” this school year.
“And if I could tell my daughter that, and not tell your daughter that, or the people, then I’m not being honest or true to the people of the state of California.”
Plans for continued learning
Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, put all this disruption into perspective.
“We haven’t had this kind of shutdown of civil society or schools since the Spanish influenza in 1918,” she said. “It’s been a century since we saw anything like this. And, in that case as well, whole cities had to close down. So the magnitude is enormous.”
She said this moment called for families and communities to reflect on what they need and care about most.
“School is one thing, but there are going to be people losing their jobs,” she said. “People who need to be able to pay rent, people that need to be able to eat, and we have to be able to take care of that as well.”
All hands in state government and the private sector, she said, “are stepping up to assist or provide guidance” to school districts, she said. The private sector has been assisting, with broadband access for low-income families, for example.
She acknowledged that the educational inequality between the rich and poor could be exacerbated initially by the shutdown of schools. But she hopes “a lot more kids are going to have devices in the home, and a lot more neighborhoods are going to have bandwidth that didn’t have it because of all of the contributions that are coming in.”
Schools will quickly develop new ways to teach and learn with technology, she said. “I don’t think school will go back to being entirely the way it was in the country.”
In a video message to students and families, San Francisco Supt. Vincent Matthews said the district has posted online learning programs, but participation was optional.
“We know many people are at a different place, we know some people want learning to continue and urgently need it, and others are at a place where they’re just saying, ‘Right now, I just need to get me and our family together,’” he said. “We want you to take care of yourself right now, get yourself together, and whenever you’re ready to do what you need to do, we’ll be here for you.”
Teachers in most closed Los Angeles schools are trying to continue instruction through online coursework and extended homework assignments. L.A. Unified also has partnered with PBS SoCal to provide expanded educational programming.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who has issued his own unprecedented orders, closing down bars, gyms and dining in restaurants, said on Tuesday that the governor’s warning on school closures came as no surprise.
He sympathizes with the difficulties many families are facing, and he himself has suddenly become a science and social science teacher at home for his daughter.
The city is looking into best practices around the country, and up and down California, to see what childcare could be provided. Broadband access and the ability to continue learning are all concerns, he said, but the health considerations must remain paramount.
“We know this will be a tough period,” he said, “but we know the most loving thing you can do for your child is to make sure that they don’t get hit by COVID-19, that they don’t spread it to your loved ones.”
Schools feed children and families
At Dorsey High School in southwest L.A., volunteers, including a Red Cross contingent, were at work before 6 a.m. setting up tents and tables and handing out plastic disposable gloves and hairnets. A police officer patrolled a gate by the entrance, and yellow tape marked a pathway winding through campus to the distribution area. Cafeteria workers inside assembled and packed cold meals into translucent white plastic bags.
The high school is one of 60 food distribution centers scattered throughout the LAUSD, the nation’s second-largest school district, where families and other community members are invited to pick up two meals per person between the hours of 7 and 10 a.m. All the locations are set up for both drive-through and walk-up distribution.
L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner said no one would be turned away, whether or not they have a connection to the school system.
“Our intent is to serve children, but if adults ask, we will offer, and we’re going to serve those in need,” Beutner said. “These are not ordinary days. ... Our goal is to help as many as we can.”
Other districts across the state have already taken steps in recent days.
In San Francisco, the district is providing breakfast, lunch, fresh fruit, vegetables and milk, with additional food offerings thanks to private funding to cover meals “that were previously unfunded by federal programs.”
No identification or proof of enrollment is needed to pick up food, officials said, but the priority is to support children.
“We’re operating with a sense of urgency, aggressiveness and intelligence, but also with grace and compassion,” Matthews said.


latimes--2020-03-17--L.A. could boost sick leave, aid businesses, guarantee rights to laid off workers

The Los Angeles City Council pushed forward dozens of proposals Tuesday meant to help Angelenos cope with the spread of coronavirus and protect them from its effects , including plans to boost sick leave , enshrine recall rights for workers who are laid off , and provide financial assistance to struggling businesses and tenants .
“ This pandemic has touched every corner of the world , and it is increasing at a global scale like we ’ ve never seen before , ” City Council President Nury Martinez said at the beginning of a marathon meeting that lasted into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncharted waters , and it is up to us to make sure we are doing our duty as public servants.
” Martinez asked city staffers to report back on creating an emergency program that would provide at least 14 days of paid sick leave to Angelenos during a public health crisis or major disaster .
Los Angeles already requires sick leave for employees working in the city , ensuring that they can accrue and use up to 48 hours of paid leave — six days — per year .
The move is meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from continuing to go to work during the coronavirus pandemic , putting more people at risk of infection .
As of Tuesday afternoon , more than 470 people had been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 in California , leading to 12 deaths in the state .
The crisis has thrown a spotlight on the vast differences in the benefits available to employees depending on where they live and for whom they work .
The council voted unanimously to back Martinez ’ s proposal to boost sick leave , directing city staffers to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their approval .
It was one of dozens of new proposals that council members introduced Tuesday in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic : Los Angeles also moved to loosen a city rule to help homeless people endure the crisis , temporarily allowing tents to stay up during the day .
Several council members also proposed an eviction moratorium that could be tighter than that announced by Mayor Eric Garcetti , which must return to the council for final approval .
Council members also introduced new proposals to set up loans and grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explore other business assistance such as easing taxes and fees .
Early in the meeting , restaurant owner Tricia La Belle addressed the council and said that the shutdown of dine-in service had put her in financial jeopardy .
“ I can ’ t breathe at this moment .
My staff is terrified .
They ’ re calling me every day , asking me for money that I can ’ t provide because there is no income coming into my restaurant , ” La Belle said , complaining that many customers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re on the verge of anarchy and putting more people on our streets , ” La Belle said .
“ Please help us.
” One proposal would create a “ just cause termination ” law that would ensure that any workers who were laid off for economic reasons are discharged in the order of seniority .
They would also have recall rights based on seniority .
Employers would be barred from permanently terminating workers — banning them from being recalled — without just cause .
Council members also called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Metro system , asked staffers to scout for city buildings or lots that could be used as testing sites , and proposed 24-hour access to restrooms in public parks .
Another proposed measure , offered by Councilmen Curren Price and Herb Wesson , would require grocery stores and food delivery services to give their employees time to wash their hands every half hour and ensure that there is free testing for the virus for those employees .
In addition , Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez called for cracking down on street vendors who don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rodriguez had initially floated a temporary moratorium on all street vending , arguing that it would help protect Angelenos from crowds surrounding vendors during the pandemic , but adjusted her proposal during the meeting .
Council members put forward the new measures and proposals at a Tuesday meeting that was shaped by special efforts to try to ensure social distancing between attendees .
The council has pared down the number of meetings scheduled in coming weeks and imposed new measures to limit the number of people gathered in the council chamber .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting remotely on television or streaming video and submit comments electronically .
Members of the public were not allowed inside the council chambers , but a tent was erected outside City Hall with a microphone for people who wanted to address the council in person .
Several speakers complained about the setup , arguing it was unfair to the public .
“ Keeping the public outside of a public meeting in 52-degree weather with no heaters and no bathrooms is not a pandemic response , it ’ s oppression !
” Sabrina Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group KTown for All , told the council from under the tent on Tuesday .
Doug Haines , who sits on two neighborhood councils in Hollywood , was among the people who waited outside City Hall in the chilly weather to speak Tuesday , sitting on plastic chairs that were placed roughly six feet apart .
Haines said he wanted the city to suspend the approval of all real estate development projects that do not otherwise require a city hearing until all neighborhood councils are permitted to meet again and review them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to get a wave of approvals without public comment , ” Haines said .
Times staff writers Brittny Mejia and Liam Dillon contributed to this report .

Emily Alpert Reyes, David Zahniser, Dakota Smith

The Los Angeles City Council pushed forward dozens of proposals Tuesday meant to help Angelenos cope with the spread of coronavirus and protect them from its effects, including plans to boost sick leave, enshrine recall rights for workers who are laid off, and provide financial assistance to struggling businesses and tenants.
“This pandemic has touched every corner of the world, and it is increasing at a global scale like we’ve never seen before,” City Council President Nury Martinez said at the beginning of a marathon meeting that lasted into the early evening. “We are in uncharted waters, and it is up to us to make sure we are doing our duty as public servants.”
Martinez asked city staffers to report back on creating an emergency program that would provide at least 14 days of paid sick leave to Angelenos during a public health crisis or major disaster. Los Angeles already requires sick leave for employees working in the city, ensuring that they can accrue and use up to 48 hours of paid leave — six days — per year.
The move is meant to prevent people who have fallen ill from continuing to go to work during the coronavirus pandemic, putting more people at risk of infection. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 470 people had been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 in California, leading to 12 deaths in the state.
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The crisis has thrown a spotlight on the vast differences in the benefits available to employees depending on where they live and for whom they work. The council voted unanimously to back Martinez’s proposal to boost sick leave, directing city staffers to come up with recommendations that would come back for their approval.
Members of the public watch a broadcast of a Los Angeles City Council meeting from a tent erected outside City Hall. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
It was one of dozens of new proposals that council members introduced Tuesday in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic: Los Angeles also moved to loosen a city rule to help homeless people endure the crisis, temporarily allowing tents to stay up during the day. Several council members also proposed an eviction moratorium that could be tighter than that announced by Mayor Eric Garcetti, which must return to the council for final approval.
Council members also introduced new proposals to set up loans and grants for businesses affected by the pandemic and to explore other business assistance such as easing taxes and fees. Early in the meeting, restaurant owner Tricia La Belle addressed the council and said that the shutdown of dine-in service had put her in financial jeopardy.
“I can’t breathe at this moment. My staff is terrified. They’re calling me every day, asking me for money that I can’t provide because there is no income coming into my restaurant,” La Belle said, complaining that many customers were too afraid even to order delivery.
“We’re on the verge of anarchy and putting more people on our streets,” La Belle said. “Please help us.”
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One proposal would create a “just cause termination” law that would ensure that any workers who were laid off for economic reasons are discharged in the order of seniority. They would also have recall rights based on seniority. Employers would be barred from permanently terminating workers — banning them from being recalled — without just cause.
Council members also called for more hygiene stations with hand sanitizer on the Metro system, asked staffers to scout for city buildings or lots that could be used as testing sites, and proposed 24-hour access to restrooms in public parks.
Another proposed measure, offered by Councilmen Curren Price and Herb Wesson, would require grocery stores and food delivery services to give their employees time to wash their hands every half hour and ensure that there is free testing for the virus for those employees.
In addition, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez called for cracking down on street vendors who don’t have health permits selling food. Rodriguez had initially floated a temporary moratorium on all street vending, arguing that it would help protect Angelenos from crowds surrounding vendors during the pandemic, but adjusted her proposal during the meeting.
Council members put forward the new measures and proposals at a Tuesday meeting that was shaped by special efforts to try to ensure social distancing between attendees. The council has pared down the number of meetings scheduled in coming weeks and imposed new measures to limit the number of people gathered in the council chamber.
The tent outside City Hall where the City Council meeting was broadcast. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Martinez had urged Angelenos to watch the meeting remotely on television or streaming video and submit comments electronically. Members of the public were not allowed inside the council chambers, but a tent was erected outside City Hall with a microphone for people who wanted to address the council in person.
Several speakers complained about the setup, arguing it was unfair to the public.
“Keeping the public outside of a public meeting in 52-degree weather with no heaters and no bathrooms is not a pandemic response, it’s oppression!” Sabrina Johnson, a member of the homeless advocacy group KTown for All, told the council from under the tent on Tuesday.
Doug Haines, who sits on two neighborhood councils in Hollywood, was among the people who waited outside City Hall in the chilly weather to speak Tuesday, sitting on plastic chairs that were placed roughly six feet apart.
Haines said he wanted the city to suspend the approval of all real estate development projects that do not otherwise require a city hearing until all neighborhood councils are permitted to meet again and review them.
“I’m afraid we are going to get a wave of approvals without public comment,” Haines said.
Times staff writers Brittny Mejia and Liam Dillon contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-17--Los Angeles D.A.'s race almost certain to end in runoff between Jackie Lacey and George Gascón

Los Angeles County Dist .
Atty .
Jackie Lacey appears highly likely to face progressive challenger George Gascón in a November runoff that could set the tone for criminal justice policy inside the nation ’ s largest court system for years to come , according to returns made public Tuesday .
Lacey saw her share of the vote slip just below 49 % , as Gascón climbed to slightly above 28 % with about 64,000 votes remaining , the latest tally from the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder found .
To avoid a runoff , Lacey needs 50 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that figure , she ’ d need to secure 53,000 of the remaining potential ballots , which is extremely unlikely as her vote share has been trending down since the initial set of returns came out on election night .
It is also unclear if all of the outstanding ballots will ultimately be counted and influence the outcome .
The leftover pile includes 10,000 provisional votes as well as a number of damaged ballots , which could be voided as part of the county ’ s tallying process .
Discarded ballots would only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former public defender Rachel Rossi , who ran as an alternative to the two experienced law enforcement officials , was eliminated from the race Tuesday .
Even if she were to secure every remaining ballot , she could not barge past Gascón into second place .
In a statement , Lacey said she was “ honored ” by the hundreds of thousands of voters who turned out for her and noted that in the wake of the panic caused by the spread of the coronavirus it is “ all the more important that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community safe.
” “ I look forward to continuing that conversation in November , ” she said .
Gascón ’ s campaign manager , Jamarah Hayner , said that while the returns bred “ cautious optimism ” her staff was also focused on making sure their loved ones and colleagues were safe and healthy in light of the outbreak .
For months , the three candidates faced off in a tense primary that pitted the more moderate Lacey against challengers who embody a nationwide push to elect more progressive prosecutors .
Gascón @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief who served as San Francisco ’ s district attorney for eight years , co-authored Proposition 47 — which reduced a number of felonies to misdemeanors under California law — and ran on a platform of improving public safety while reducing what he considers high incarceration levels in Los Angeles County .
Critics , however , have blasted him over surges in property crime in San Francisco during his tenure .
Rossi , a former state and federal public defender who helped craft federal sentencing reform legislation in Washington D.C. , had repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving mentally ill defendants and promised not to prosecute offenses she believed criminalize homelessness if elected .
The race grew increasingly contentious when a January debate was repeatedly interrupted by protesters , leading Lacey to decline to appear at other public forums throughout the primary .
Less than 24 hours before election day , a predawn demonstration outside Lacey ’ s home organized by Black Lives Matter took a dangerous turn when the district attorney ’ s husband pointed a gun at the protesters .

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s primary is now all but certain to result in a runoff between incumbent Jackie Lacey and former San Francisco Dist. Atty. George Gascón, according to the latest returns.
Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey appears highly likely to face progressive challenger George Gascón in a November runoff that could set the tone for criminal justice policy inside the nation’s largest court system for years to come, according to returns made public Tuesday.
Lacey saw her share of the vote slip just below 49%, as Gascón climbed to slightly above 28% with about 64,000 votes remaining, the latest tally from the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder found.
To avoid a runoff, Lacey needs 50% of the vote plus one. But to hit that figure, she’d need to secure 53,000 of the remaining potential ballots, which is extremely unlikely as her vote share has been trending down since the initial set of returns came out on election night.
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It is also unclear if all of the outstanding ballots will ultimately be counted and influence the outcome. The leftover pile includes 10,000 provisional votes as well as a number of damaged ballots, which could be voided as part of the county’s tallying process. Discarded ballots would only further tilt the math against Lacey.
Former public defender Rachel Rossi, who ran as an alternative to the two experienced law enforcement officials, was eliminated from the race Tuesday. Even if she were to secure every remaining ballot, she could not barge past Gascón into second place.
In a statement, Lacey said she was “honored” by the hundreds of thousands of voters who turned out for her and noted that in the wake of the panic caused by the spread of the coronavirus it is “all the more important that we have a real conversation about keeping our community safe.”
“I look forward to continuing that conversation in November,” she said.
Gascón’s campaign manager, Jamarah Hayner, said that while the returns bred “cautious optimism” her staff was also focused on making sure their loved ones and colleagues were safe and healthy in light of the outbreak.
For months, the three candidates faced off in a tense primary that pitted the more moderate Lacey against challengers who embody a nationwide push to elect more progressive prosecutors.
Gascón, a former assistant Los Angeles police chief who served as San Francisco’s district attorney for eight years, co-authored Proposition 47 — which reduced a number of felonies to misdemeanors under California law — and ran on a platform of improving public safety while reducing what he considers high incarceration levels in Los Angeles County. Critics, however, have blasted him over surges in property crime in San Francisco during his tenure.
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Rossi, a former state and federal public defender who helped craft federal sentencing reform legislation in Washington D.C., had repeatedly chastised Lacey for her handling of cases involving mentally ill defendants and promised not to prosecute offenses she believed criminalize homelessness if elected.
The race grew increasingly contentious when a January debate was repeatedly interrupted by protesters, leading Lacey to decline to appear at other public forums throughout the primary. Less than 24 hours before election day, a predawn demonstration outside Lacey’s home organized by Black Lives Matter took a dangerous turn when the district attorney’s husband pointed a gun at the protesters.
Times Staff Writer Ben Welsh contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-17--Federal judge orders emergency hearing over coronavirus threat to L.A.'s homeless people

The federal judge who forced the opening of new homeless shelters in a landmark Orange County case has called for an emergency hearing in Los Angeles this week , citing the risk of people living on the streets during the coronavirus outbreak .
The hearing , set for Thursday , is on a case filed last week alleging that the city and county of L.A. have failed in their duty to protect public health and safety and to provide shelter to people living on the streets .
Citing the havoc that COVID-19 , the disease caused by the rapidly spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , District Judge David O. Carter called for the emergency status conference .
Carter requested that a host of city and county officials attend , including Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore , Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas , Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey , Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer , Los Angeles Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer , Los Angeles Public Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis , Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority interim executive director Heidi Marston .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a group named the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights which , according to its website , was formed last summer by downtown residents and property owners to press for solutions to what they say are unsafe and inhumane conditions in spreading homeless encampments .
Led by longtime Central City East Association general counsel Don Steier , the group recruited members from around L.A. including nonprofits and service providers according to its website , and raised funds for legal fees and research into the issue .
The group says it supports a legally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services for every person on the streets .
Concluding that ideological battles and legal challenges have been responsible for preventing progress , the L.A. Alliance sued on March 10 .
That was just as cases of the novel coronavirus were beginning to spread in California .
As of Tuesday , there were nearly 150 cases confirmed in L.A. County and many more in the Bay Area .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom this week urged state and local officials to make homeless people a priority in their efforts to try to curb the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could prove devastating to the already vulnerable community .
And on Tuesday , three members of the L.A. City Council called on the city to “ urgently reevaluate ” its policies for dealing with homeless encampments , including putting a temporary stop to removing tents during the day and to confiscating the possessions of homeless Angelenos unless those items are deemed to be hazardous .
The 92-page lawsuit from the L.A. Alliance cites state and federal law in 14 allegations , among them accusing the city and county of breaching their duty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without compensation , wasting public funds and violating the state environmental act and state and federal acts protecting people with disabilities .
The eight plaintiffs include downtown property owners , business owners and residents , and one Westside business owner .
The suit alleges loss of business , deterioration of property values and inability to use sidewalks or safely leave their homes .
The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief and unspecified compensatory damages .
“ What we are proposing is long-term solution that can be rolled out in a matter of months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spertus , Landes & Umhofer , the law firm retained by the L.A. Alliance .
Mitchell , a former Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney , added that the claims for damages are negotiable .
The lawsuit did not suggest what powers might be needed to clean up encampments if adequate beds were available .
“ I ’ m not talking about forcing anybody to go into a shelter , ” Mitchell said , but she believes that most would seek shelter , allowing more focused attention to those who resist or need more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re hoping to peel back the first layer , ” she said .
A spokesman for Feuer said the city would have no comment .
A spokesman for Los Angeles County also declined to comment .
The decision to have Carter preside over the case has given the proceeding a character not usually seen in the staid federal courts in Los Angeles .
Carter , who sits in Orange County , was brought in as a substitute on the case , which was originally assigned to Los Angeles-based Judge Stephen V. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motion identifying the Orange County case as related .
Carter has a reputation as a caring jurist who has immersed himself in the complexities of the laws governing homeless people and has has made personal visits to homeless camps and demanded that local authorities do more .
Under his prodding , the opposing parties in the Orange County case struck an agreement that allowed officials to clean out a homeless encampment along the Santa Ana River with the county being required to give out temporary motel vouchers , expand shelters and retrofit properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary housing .
Several south Orange County cities balked during the proceedings .
At one point , Carter warned them , “ If you don ’ t step up , then you put the court in writing a position , and I can solve that very easily for you .
You don ’ t want me to do that.
” A judge reviewing the cities ’ complaint found that a reasonable observer would find that “ the District Judge is not unbiased .
”

L.A. County Sheriff Deputy Michael Tadrous talks with Shawn Troncozo, 24, about how to prevent becoming infected with the novel coronavirus during an outreach effort in El Monte last week.
The federal judge who forced the opening of new homeless shelters in a landmark Orange County case has called for an emergency hearing in Los Angeles this week, citing the risk of people living on the streets during the coronavirus outbreak.
The hearing, set for Thursday, is on a case filed last week alleging that the city and county of L.A. have failed in their duty to protect public health and safety and to provide shelter to people living on the streets.
Citing the havoc that COVID-19, the disease caused by the rapidly spreading virus, could cause in homeless encampments, District Judge David O. Carter called for the emergency status conference.
Carter requested that a host of city and county officials attend, including Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, Los Angeles Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles Public Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority interim executive director Heidi Marston.
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The Los Angeles case was filed on behalf of a group named the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights which, according to its website, was formed last summer by downtown residents and property owners to press for solutions to what they say are unsafe and inhumane conditions in spreading homeless encampments.
Led by longtime Central City East Association general counsel Don Steier, the group recruited members from around L.A. including nonprofits and service providers according to its website, and raised funds for legal fees and research into the issue. The group says it supports a legally enforceable right to shelter and provision of services for every person on the streets.
Concluding that ideological battles and legal challenges have been responsible for preventing progress, the L.A. Alliance sued on March 10.
That was just as cases of the novel coronavirus were beginning to spread in California. As of Tuesday, there were nearly 150 cases confirmed in L.A. County and many more in the Bay Area.
Gov. Gavin Newsom this week urged state and local officials to make homeless people a priority in their efforts to try to curb the spread of the virus, which experts agree could prove devastating to the already vulnerable community. And on Tuesday, three members of the L.A. City Council called on the city to “urgently reevaluate” its policies for dealing with homeless encampments, including putting a temporary stop to removing tents during the day and to confiscating the possessions of homeless Angelenos unless those items are deemed to be hazardous.
The 92-page lawsuit from the L.A. Alliance cites state and federal law in 14 allegations, among them accusing the city and county of breaching their duty to abate a nuisance, reducing property value without compensation, wasting public funds and violating the state environmental act and state and federal acts protecting people with disabilities.
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The eight plaintiffs include downtown property owners, business owners and residents, and one Westside business owner. The suit alleges loss of business, deterioration of property values and inability to use sidewalks or safely leave their homes. The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief and unspecified compensatory damages.
“What we are proposing is long-term solution that can be rolled out in a matter of months,” said Attorney Elizabeth A. Mitchell of Spertus, Landes & Umhofer, the law firm retained by the L.A. Alliance. Mitchell, a former Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney, added that the claims for damages are negotiable.
The lawsuit did not suggest what powers might be needed to clean up encampments if adequate beds were available.
“I’m not talking about forcing anybody to go into a shelter,” Mitchell said, but she believes that most would seek shelter, allowing more focused attention to those who resist or need more intensive health or mental care. “We’re hoping to peel back the first layer,” she said.
A spokesman for Feuer said the city would have no comment. A spokesman for Los Angeles County also declined to comment.
The decision to have Carter preside over the case has given the proceeding a character not usually seen in the staid federal courts in Los Angeles. Carter, who sits in Orange County, was brought in as a substitute on the case, which was originally assigned to Los Angeles-based Judge Stephen V. Wilson, after the plaintiffs filed a motion identifying the Orange County case as related.
Carter has a reputation as a caring jurist who has immersed himself in the complexities of the laws governing homeless people and has has made personal visits to homeless camps and demanded that local authorities do more.
Under his prodding, the opposing parties in the Orange County case struck an agreement that allowed officials to clean out a homeless encampment along the Santa Ana River with the county being required to give out temporary motel vouchers, expand shelters and retrofit properties in Orange and Santa Ana to provide temporary housing.
Several south Orange County cities balked during the proceedings. At one point, Carter warned them, “If you don’t step up, then you put the court in writing a position, and I can solve that very easily for you. You don’t want me to do that.”
A judge reviewing the cities’ complaint found that a reasonable observer would find that “the District Judge is not unbiased.”


latimes--2020-03-17--With coronavirus spreading, L.A. moves to ban evictions, add protections for homeowners

Renters and homeowners are likely to see significant new protections against evictions and foreclosures after the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved emergency measures to mitigate the economic effects of the novel coronavirus .
At the same time , advocacy groups criticized Gov .
Gavin Newsom for not doing more to prevent Californians from losing their homes during the pandemic .
L.A. 's plan will temporarily ban evictions and late fees , require landlords and residential mortgage-holders to work out payment plans with affected residents , reduce city business taxes and create a citywide rental assistance fund .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , the council ’ s vote directs the city attorney to draw up an emergency eviction plan , which could be finalized as soon as next Tuesday .
In doing so , the city would be taking advantage of the broad constitutional powers that legal experts agree governments have to halt evictions during emergencies .
“ The moment that we are in is one that takes a population of millions of people in Los Angeles who live day-to-day on the edge and throws them into extreme economic danger and distress , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes many Westside beach neighborhooods .
“ I ’ m praying there will be a national comprehensive response to this , or a state one .
But in the meantime , we just got to go because the pain is going to be extreme.
” Some eviction protections for residents affected by the coronavirus are already in place , created through an executive order Mayor Eric Garcetti issued on Sunday .
Also Tuesday , Los Angeles County officials announced a moratorium on all no-fault residential and commercial evictions , starting retroactively on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tenants will have six months after the end of the emergency proclamation to pay for lost rent , Supervisor Hilda Solis said .
L.A. ’ s push to protect financially vulnerable residents comes after Newsom called on cities and counties to approve temporary eviction bans .
In a statement issued with the executive order he signed Monday night , the governor said that no one should be forced out of their homes because of the spread of the coronavirus .
But Newsom ’ s order does not appear to give cities and counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and instead leaves any decision to do so up to local officials .
So far Los Angeles , San Francisco , San Jose and a handful of other cities have taken action .
Most have not .
For advocates for low-income and disabled renters , the lack of a statewide plan is troubling .
They say the governor needs to protect all residents .
“ It ’ s critical , especially for our clients that are at high risk , that we have a uniform policy that ’ s immediate that halts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a civil rights attorney at Disability Rights California .
The California Apartment Assn.
, the state ’ s largest group representing landlords , also wanted Newsom to create a plan for the entire state so that owners with properties in multiple cities and counties wouldn ’ t have to navigate different rules .
“ We would have preferred a consistent standard , ” said Debra Carlton , an executive vice president at the association .
Carlton said that if cities are going to pass a moratorium , they should follow the guidelines the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that eviction protections should be limited to those affected by the virus and that all back rent must still be paid .
Garcetti ’ s executive order is largely in line with what Newsom recommended .
If eligible tenants don ’ t pay rent , they won ’ t be evicted , but their credit could still be dinged and eviction cases can still be filed .
And no matter what , tenants still must pay back rent within six months after the state of emergency expires .
The mayor ’ s order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus or have to take care of those who are , Angelenos who have lost income because their workplace has shut down or who have lost hours at work , and parents who must pay for childcare because many schools have closed .
Dennis Block , a prominent Los Angeles landlord attorney , said Tuesday that his firm still intends to proceed with evictions despite what Garcetti announced , saying that many tenants aren ’ t in situations caused by the coronavirus .
The City Council ’ s measure attempts to go further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the non-payment of rent without requiring proof of a link to the coronavirus .
Details for how that would work depend on how the measure is drafted , and city attorneys said they were concerned that any measure banning evictions outright would go beyond the guidelines Newsom laid out in his executive order .
The council ’ s plan also wouldn ’ t forgive rent that ’ s owed .
Government has significant power — either by executive action or urgency legislation — to temporarily ban evictions because of an emergency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property law and a professor at the University of the Pacific , McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento .
The more narrow the proposal , such as a moratorium that only applies to people affected by the coronavirus or that requires back payment of rent , the more likely a court would approve of it , he said .
But Sprankling also believed that courts would also allow a blanket ban against evicting people from their homes without compensation to landlords , since judges have long recognized that emergencies allow for exemptions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There would undoubtedly be litigation about this , ” Sprankling said .
“ Some landlords are going to lose a significant amount of money .
But it ’ s pretty easy to predict that courts are going to say they ’ re not entitled to compensation from the state.
” A broader moratorium on evictions could help renters like Oswaldo Sanchez .
The 44-year-old is renting a two-bedroom apartment in South L.A. where he lives with his wife and three children .
Sanchez was in eviction proceedings over a rent dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
He ’ s since lost work because of the effect of the coronavirus on business and his need to care for his children who are at home because L.A. Unified schools have closed .
“ It ’ s very difficult in this situation with children , ” Sanchez said .
“ It ’ s inhumane .
It ’ s very inhumane.
” While the city is proposing that banks and other residential mortgage holders work out payment plans with homeowners and landlords , apartment owners are concerned that the proposed eviction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who purchased a triplex in Venice five years ago and lives in one of the apartments , said she ’ s worried about her mortgage , property taxes , maintenance costs and other expenses if her tenants stop paying rent .
The city , she said , should do more to ensure landlords can pay their bills , too .
“ You can ’ t just legislate on behalf of one group of people , ” said Ursua , 35 .
“ Everyone needs to take a haircut .
”

Rachel Carlson, center, watches a Los Angeles City Council meeting while sitting under a tent outside City Hall on Tuesday amid fears about the coronavirus. A television live-streamed the meeting and the public offered comments electronically.
Renters and homeowners are likely to see significant new protections against evictions and foreclosures after the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved emergency measures to mitigate the economic effects of the novel coronavirus.
At the same time, advocacy groups criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom for not doing more to prevent Californians from losing their homes during the pandemic.
L.A.’s plan will temporarily ban evictions and late fees, require landlords and residential mortgage-holders to work out payment plans with affected residents, reduce city business taxes and create a citywide rental assistance fund. The measures will not take effect immediately. Instead, the council’s vote directs the city attorney to draw up an emergency eviction plan, which could be finalized as soon as next Tuesday.
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In doing so, the city would be taking advantage of the broad constitutional powers that legal experts agree governments have to halt evictions during emergencies.
“The moment that we are in is one that takes a population of millions of people in Los Angeles who live day-to-day on the edge and throws them into extreme economic danger and distress,” said Councilman Mike Bonin, whose district includes many Westside beach neighborhooods. “I’m praying there will be a national comprehensive response to this, or a state one. But in the meantime, we just got to go because the pain is going to be extreme.”
Some eviction protections for residents affected by the coronavirus are already in place, created through an executive order Mayor Eric Garcetti issued on Sunday.
Also Tuesday, Los Angeles County officials announced a moratorium on all no-fault residential and commercial evictions, starting retroactively on March 4 and lasting until May 31. Tenants will have six months after the end of the emergency proclamation to pay for lost rent, Supervisor Hilda Solis said.
L.A.’s push to protect financially vulnerable residents comes after Newsom called on cities and counties to approve temporary eviction bans. In a statement issued with the executive order he signed Monday night, the governor said that no one should be forced out of their homes because of the spread of the coronavirus.
But Newsom’s order does not appear to give cities and counties much additional authority to prevent residential evictions, and instead leaves any decision to do so up to local officials. So far Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and a handful of other cities have taken action. Most have not.
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For advocates for low-income and disabled renters, the lack of a statewide plan is troubling. They say the governor needs to protect all residents.
“It’s critical, especially for our clients that are at high risk, that we have a uniform policy that’s immediate that halts evictions,” said Navneet Grewal, a civil rights attorney at Disability Rights California.
The California Apartment Assn., the state’s largest group representing landlords, also wanted Newsom to create a plan for the entire state so that owners with properties in multiple cities and counties wouldn’t have to navigate different rules.
“We would have preferred a consistent standard,” said Debra Carlton, an executive vice president at the association.
Carlton said that if cities are going to pass a moratorium, they should follow the guidelines the governor’s office laid out: that eviction protections should be limited to those affected by the virus and that all back rent must still be paid.
Garcetti’s executive order is largely in line with what Newsom recommended. If eligible tenants don’t pay rent, they won’t be evicted, but their credit could still be dinged and eviction cases can still be filed. And no matter what, tenants still must pay back rent within six months after the state of emergency expires.
The mayor’s order covers those who become sick with the virus or have to take care of those who are, Angelenos who have lost income because their workplace has shut down or who have lost hours at work, and parents who must pay for childcare because many schools have closed.
Dennis Block, a prominent Los Angeles landlord attorney, said Tuesday that his firm still intends to proceed with evictions despite what Garcetti announced, saying that many tenants aren’t in situations caused by the coronavirus.
The City Council’s measure attempts to go further by providing a ban on evictions related to the non-payment of rent without requiring proof of a link to the coronavirus. Details for how that would work depend on how the measure is drafted, and city attorneys said they were concerned that any measure banning evictions outright would go beyond the guidelines Newsom laid out in his executive order. The council’s plan also wouldn’t forgive rent that’s owed.
Government has significant power — either by executive action or urgency legislation — to temporarily ban evictions because of an emergency, said John Sprankling, an expert in property law and a professor at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento.
The more narrow the proposal, such as a moratorium that only applies to people affected by the coronavirus or that requires back payment of rent, the more likely a court would approve of it, he said. But Sprankling also believed that courts would also allow a blanket ban against evicting people from their homes without compensation to landlords, since judges have long recognized that emergencies allow for exemptions to constitutional protections afforded under the Fifth Amendment.
“There would undoubtedly be litigation about this,” Sprankling said. “Some landlords are going to lose a significant amount of money. But it’s pretty easy to predict that courts are going to say they’re not entitled to compensation from the state.”
A broader moratorium on evictions could help renters like Oswaldo Sanchez. The 44-year-old is renting a two-bedroom apartment in South L.A. where he lives with his wife and three children.
Sanchez was in eviction proceedings over a rent dispute with his landlord prior to the growing pandemic. He’s since lost work because of the effect of the coronavirus on business and his need to care for his children who are at home because L.A. Unified schools have closed.
“It’s very difficult in this situation with children,” Sanchez said. “It’s inhumane. It’s very inhumane.”
While the city is proposing that banks and other residential mortgage holders work out payment plans with homeowners and landlords, apartment owners are concerned that the proposed eviction moratorium leaves them out.
Soledad Ursua, who purchased a triplex in Venice five years ago and lives in one of the apartments, said she’s worried about her mortgage, property taxes, maintenance costs and other expenses if her tenants stop paying rent.
The city, she said, should do more to ensure landlords can pay their bills, too.
“You can’t just legislate on behalf of one group of people,” said Ursua, 35. “Everyone needs to take a haircut.”


latimes--2020-03-17--Orange County issues severe restrictions due to coronavirus

Orange County has issued severe restrictions to its more than 3 million residents , county officials announced Tuesday afternoon .
“ This prohibition applies to all professional , social and community gatherings , regardless of their sponsor , that are not engaged in essential activities , ” the order states .
Health officials directed the closure of bars and other alcohol-serving establishments that don ’ t serve food .
The order also prohibits restaurants from provide on-site dining .
Only curbside service and takeout are now allowed .
“ Any person who violates or who refuses or willfully neglects to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , imprisonment , or both , ” the order states .
It cites California ’ s Government Code , which provides for fines of up to $ 1,000 , six months in jail or both .
“ We are taking these mitigation steps in line with a directive issued by Governor Newsom to help slow the spread of COVID-19 , ” Orange County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick said in a statement .
“ We recognize community members may experience anxiety related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19 , and want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones using appropriate methods like telephone , video messaging , email and text.
” Fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak have hit the local business community hard in recent days .
Among those now-shuttered spaces is South Coast Plaza .
The renowned Costa Mesa shopping center and will remain so for two weeks after a store employee tested positive for the virus on Sunday night .
“ Our understanding that closures of public gathering places in Orange County are important for a chance to meaningfully stem this pandemic is the reason we took this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing said in a statement .
“ Although [ the employee testing positive ] is not the reason for the center ’ s closure , it reinforced the need for us to take action.
” Other local businesses have started to feel the sting , too .
Jim Walker , who owns the Bungalow restaurant in Corona del Mar , said business was fine until last Monday .
Then it tanked by more than half , and he ’ s now operating at a loss amid a coronavirus-driven bust .
His lunch customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd trends older , and while his Long Beach establishment , Domenico ’ s Pizza , is able to offer takeout , the Bungalow ’ s upscale American fare doesn ’ t lend itself to that .

Orange County has issued severe restrictions to its more than 3 million residents, county officials announced Tuesday afternoon.
“This prohibition applies to all professional, social and community gatherings, regardless of their sponsor, that are not engaged in essential activities,” the order states.
Health officials directed the closure of bars and other alcohol-serving establishments that don’t serve food. The order also prohibits restaurants from provide on-site dining. Only curbside service and takeout are now allowed.
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“Any person who violates or who refuses or willfully neglects to obey this regulation is subject to fine, imprisonment, or both,” the order states. It cites California’s Government Code, which provides for fines of up to $1,000, six months in jail or both.
“We are taking these mitigation steps in line with a directive issued by Governor Newsom to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” Orange County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick said in a statement. “We recognize community members may experience anxiety related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, and want to encourage residents to reach out to loved ones using appropriate methods like telephone, video messaging, email and text.”
Fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak have hit the local business community hard in recent days.
Among those now-shuttered spaces is South Coast Plaza. The renowned Costa Mesa shopping center closed Monday night and will remain so for two weeks after a store employee tested positive for the virus on Sunday night.
“Our understanding that closures of public gathering places in Orange County are important for a chance to meaningfully stem this pandemic is the reason we took this action,” mall spokeswoman Debra Gunn Downing said in a statement. “Although [the employee testing positive] is not the reason for the center’s closure, it reinforced the need for us to take action.”
Other local businesses have started to feel the sting, too.
Jim Walker, who owns the Bungalow restaurant in Corona del Mar, said business was fine until last Monday. Then it tanked by more than half, and he’s now operating at a loss amid a coronavirus-driven bust.
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His lunch customers are working from home. His dinner crowd trends older, and while his Long Beach establishment, Domenico’s Pizza, is able to offer takeout, the Bungalow’s upscale American fare doesn’t lend itself to that.
“People typically don’t order a filet mignon to go,” he said.


latimes--2020-03-17--L.A. County coronavirus cases rise to 144: Here's what you need to know

With more coronavirus testing , the number of cases in Los Angeles County continues to grow rapidly .
L.A. County now has more than 144 cases as of Tuesday , an increase of 50 .
Officials have said the public should assume there are coronavirus patients in their neighborhood , some of whom might not know they ’ re sick .
Here is the latest : SCHOOLS : The Los Angeles school district on Tuesday was ramping up “ grab and go ” food services to help feed more than half a million children displaced by the closing of schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , parents and students can pick up food at 60 sites scattered throughout the nation ’ s second-largest school district .
in Los Angeles and information about other resources have been published on the district CITY COUNCIL : A Los Angeles City Council meeting was held with new measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 : Amid the unprecedented shutdown of Los Angeles businesses and schools , city officials so the public could watch the meeting on a video screen and comment remotely to the city ’ s 15 council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setup , arguing it was unfair and disenfranchising .
BLOOD SUPPLY : Officials said there ’ s been a decline in blood donations .
Nearly 160 blood drives have recently been canceled , resulting in 5,500 fewer blood donations .
Officials are asking those who are healthy to continue to make a donation , which has a shelf-life of roughly 42 days .
STAY HOME IF SICK : Los Angeles County Public Health director Dr. Barbara Ferrer stressed the need for people to stay home , especially anyone who is sick .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re an essential worker , please don ’ t come to work , ” she said .
“ We can not have people that are sick , even with mild illness , going about their business.
” Here is general guidance from the county : • Event organizers postpone or cancel non-essential gatherings of 50 or more until at least the end of March .
• For gatherings of less than 50 people , social distancing measures must be followed .
• Limit gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 65 , pregnant women , and those with chronic illness ) to no more than 10 people .
• This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes , work , or essential services , including public transportation , airport travel or shopping .
• If you are mildly sick with a fever , stay home and call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen .
Individuals who are elderly , have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and visitors with any fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms and visitors with recent travel to any country or region with significant community transmission ( including communities in the US ) from all schools , businesses , and gatherings of any size .
• Avoid non-essential travel , public gatherings , and places where large groups of people congregate .

With more coronavirus testing, the number of cases in Los Angeles County continues to grow rapidly.
L.A. County now has more than 144 cases as of Tuesday, an increase of 50. Officials have said the public should assume there are coronavirus patients in their neighborhood, some of whom might not know they’re sick.
Here is the latest:
SCHOOLS: The Los Angeles school district on Tuesday was ramping up “grab and go” food services to help feed more than half a million children displaced by the closing of schools due to the coronavirus outbreak. Starting on Wednesday, parents and students can pick up food at 60 sites scattered throughout the nation’s second-largest school district. A complete list and map of locations in Los Angeles and information about other resources have been published on the district website.
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CITY COUNCIL: A Los Angeles City Council meeting was held with new measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19: Amid the unprecedented shutdown of Los Angeles businesses and schools, city officials erected a tent outside City Hall so the public could watch the meeting on a video screen and comment remotely to the city’s 15 council members. Several speakers complained about the setup, arguing it was unfair and disenfranchising.
BLOOD SUPPLY: Officials said there’s been a decline in blood donations. Nearly 160 blood drives have recently been canceled, resulting in 5,500 fewer blood donations. Officials are asking those who are healthy to continue to make a donation, which has a shelf-life of roughly 42 days.
STAY HOME IF SICK: Los Angeles County Public Health director Dr. Barbara Ferrer stressed the need for people to stay home, especially anyone who is sick. “If you’re sick and you’re an essential worker, please don’t come to work,” she said. “We cannot have people that are sick, even with mild illness, going about their business.”
Here is general guidance from the county:


latimes--2020-03-17--Here is the latest list of L.A. communities with coronavirus cases

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department on Tuesday released a new list of coronavirus cases by communities .
It @ @ @ @ @ new cases rose by 50 and officials urged the public to follow restrictions designed to @ @ @ @ @ Angeles County officials announced the closure of all bars , fitness centers and movie theaters @ @ @ @ @ move to takeout only .
The directive applies to all 88 cities and unincorporated regions @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , which issued a similar directive Sunday .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom Monday @ @ @ @ @ restaurants to close their doors to dine-in customers and that gyms , health clubs and @ @ @ @ @ their operations .
Here is the list : • Other City in Los Angeles County @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 ) — 9

A woman claims her luggage at he Long Beach Airport. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
Cab drivers wait for riders at the Long Beach Airport. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
Two people arrive at Knott’s Berry Farm on Thursday in Buena Park. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Airline workers take precautions at Tom Bradley International Terminal in Los Angeles on Thursday. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
Disneyland guests take photos in front of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
People shop at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
Disneyland guests wearing ponchos pass the Marketplace inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on Thursday. Disneyland and California Adventure will temporarily close in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Two children look at movie posters in the lobby of the Arclight theater Thursday in Manhattan Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
A crew member stands on the stern of a cruise ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
Alexandria Casserly crosses the street while looking for toilet paper in downtown Los Angeles. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
Students leave John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles at the end of the school day on Friday, Mar. 13, 2020. LAUSD announced it will shut down beginning Monday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times )
Blake Anderson, left, a freshman, walks with his father Oree Anderson, as school is let out at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. LAUSD announced that schools will be closed due to the Coronavirus. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Students hug as they are let out of school at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 13, 2020. The school has 2,623 students who live in 94 different zip codes, some of whom travel upwards of 30 miles to school on 24 different school bus routes. 221 school staff live in 88 zip codes. Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner announced that schools will be closed due to the coronavirus. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
A guest wears a mask in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland on Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A line at the Martin B. Retting gun store in Culver City on Sunday extends out the door and around the corner. (Francine Orr / The Times)
Carlos Perez, a worker at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles sits in the empty restaurant. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
L.A. has banned restaurants from offering seating at places such as Grand Central Market. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Normally bustling Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. is open only for take out. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
From left, Josh Akamine, of Oahu, Hawaii; Madison Shine of Oahu; Matthew Valencia of Los Altos and Dani Ikeda visit L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
Medical personnel surround a car that is going through a coronavirus drive-thru test clinic at the San Mateo County Event Center. Drive-thru test clinics for COVID-19 are popping up across the country as more tests become available. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Emma Bradley, left, and her husband, Samuel Bradley, of Palmdale are walking up the ramp to catch the Metrolink in Union Sation in Los Angeles. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
Volunteer Rachel Figueroa, serves a free lunch to go to Destiny Mendez, with her mother, Estefany, at the Dream Center in Los Angeles. LAUSD students can get free breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Dream Center, Monday through Friday. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
Muhammad Faruq, an Uber driver, picks his ride Sotero Reyes, left, and Cristian Eguia, visitors from Houston, all in protective masks, from downtown Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Shoppers queue up ahead of the Los Feliz Costco opening for business on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Los Angeles. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)
A large tent is installed for public attendance at Tuesday’s Los Angeles City Council meeting. The public was not allowed in the council chamber. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Dr. Mark V. Morocco oversees the testing at UCLA Medical Center. Testing for Covid-19 is going on at UCLA Medical Center, where people can drive up and get tested if they have the symptoms. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)
Orange County Undersheriff Bob Peterson listens during a board of supervisors discussion on combating the coronavirus in Santa Ana. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Kevin Ezeh, protected with face mask and gloves, addresses the Los Angeles City Council meeting standing under a tent erected outside City Hall. A television livestreamed video of the meeting and the public offered comments remotely. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
An employee of the Trader Joe’s store in Monrovia tells customers waiting in line that it would open doors to everyone at 9 a.m., not just seniors, who arrived believing doors would open earlier to older residents, as some of the people were told by employees and it was reported. Some grocery outlets were offering special morning hours of shopping to accommodate older residents. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
A nurse takes the vital signs of a woman in a medical tent outside the hospital on Catalina. (Francine Orr/Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
Medical personnel screen patients outside the emergency room at Loma Linda University Health during the coronavirus pandemic. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
HOPICS outreach worker Ralph Gomez tosses a clipboard for a signature to homeless client Davis Soto, right, taking care to stay at least six feet away during outreach in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)
Dr. Mark V. Morocco oversees testing at UCLA Medical Center where people can drive up and get tested if they have the symptoms. Morocco listens to a female patient’s lungs through the car window. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)
Seniors shop at Gelson’s Market in Manhattan Beach on Wednesday. The store is doing a “seniors shopping hour” where seniors can go grocery shopping before the store opens to the general public. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
Roberta Tabor, 66, of Hermosa Beach, has her ID checked by store director Dennis Sullivan at Gelson’s Market in Manhattan Beach on Wednesday. The store is doing a “seniors shopping hour” where seniors 65+ can go grocery shopping before anybody else. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
Seniors, including Eileen Oda Leaf, 67, left, and her husband Dave Leaf, 67, right, both wearing protective masks, line up outside Gelson’s Market in Manhattan Beach early on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
Dr. Dallas Weaver, 79, and his wife, Janet Weaver, 75, of Huntington Beach, walk on the Huntington pier. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
David Barker, 56, is visiting with his friend living in a tent on skidrow in Los Angeles. Barker, who is not homeless, works in the area. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
People walk up the ramp, exiting the secure area at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)
Volunteer Nagma Shakur, 16, left, hugs her “Grannie” as she helps senior shoppers with their carts at the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Altadena. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
The City of Santa Monica closed the Santa Monica Pier in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus. Very few people were on the beach in Santa Monica as the epidemic continues. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)
The Los Angeles County Public Health Department on Tuesday released a new list of coronavirus cases by communities.
It comes as the number of new cases rose by 50 and officials urged the public to follow restrictions designed to slow the spread.
Los Angeles County officials announced the closure of all bars, fitness centers and movie theaters, and directed restaurants to move to takeout only. The directive applies to all 88 cities and unincorporated regions of the county, including Los Angeles, which issued a similar directive Sunday.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom made a similar announcement Monday evening, asking all California restaurants to close their doors to dine-in customers and that gyms, health clubs and movie theaters should also shutter their operations.
Here is the list:


latimes--2020-03-17--With the start of spring on Thursday, will the stronger sun chase away the coronavirus?

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said — in a different context — that sunlight is the best disinfectant .
Spring arrives on Thursday with the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere , and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere .
Spring means the coming months will feature stronger sunlight .
After Thursday , the sun ’ s arc across the sky will continue to climb higher until it peaks with the summer solstice on June 20 .
Will more direct sunlight and the warmer temperatures of spring and summer help to clear up the new coronavirus that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
President Trump sure hopes so .
“ It looks like by April , you know in theory , when it gets a little warmer , it miraculously goes away — I hope that ’ s true , ” he said in February .
But the truth is , because it is a completely new virus , no one really knows .
It is true that in the springtime , flu viruses and other types of coronaviruses that cause common colds often do fade , according to Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diseases .
“ But we do not know what this virus is going to do , ” Fauci told members of Congress at a hearing last week .
“ We ’ ve got to assume that it ’ s going to get worse , and worse and worse.
” Other infectious diseases experts agreed that we ’ ll just have to wait and see .
“ At this point , we don ’ t know enough about this virus to understand how it ’ s going to behave over time , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minn .
The World Health Organization noted that the virus that causes COVID-19 has infected people on every continent except Antarctica .
It can be transmitted in all areas of the globe , including those with hot and humid weather .
The new coronavirus has been spreading in the Southern Hemisphere , where summer will turn to autumn on Thursday .
Australia has reported more than 500 cases and five deaths during its summer season , while Brazil has reported more than 300 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myth that another coronavirus that caused the severe acute respiratory syndrome , or SARS , outbreak in 2003 went away on its own as the weather got warmer , according to Marc Lipsitch , an infectious disease expert at the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health .
“ SARS did not die of natural causes , ” Lipsitch wrote recently .
“ It was killed by extremely intense public health interventions , ” such as isolating infected people and quarantining those who came in contact with them .
It was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were most infectious because they were ill in a very distinctive way , he wrote .
By contrast , the new coronavirus is spread by carriers who are still visibly healthy ; in this case , people well enough to stay out of the hospital are playing a key role in the coronavirus ’ explosive spread .
Although we don ’ t know what effect it will have on the virus , we can count on the fact that winter will give way to spring , which will arrive a day early this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring and summer days are thought to affect influenza in several ways : • People who have spent the winter shut up indoors in close quarters with others finally go outside , where they ’ re less likely to breathe air shared with someone who has been infected .
• Sunlight promotes the body ’ s synthesis of vitamin D. With longer days and more sunlight , people will have increased levels of this , which strengthens their immune systems .
• Warmer air can hold more moisture .
That ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prefer colder , drier conditions in order to spread .
Spring days are likely to be warmer and perhaps more humid .
Whether these factors — or others — will affect the course of the COVID-19 pandemic remains to be seen .
In the meantime , the best advice with regard to COVID-19 , as always , is to observe the public health measures recommended by local authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said — in a different context — that sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Spring arrives on Thursday with the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring means the coming months will feature stronger sunlight. After Thursday, the sun’s arc across the sky will continue to climb higher until it peaks with the summer solstice on June 20.
The apparent path of the sun as observed from the Earth’s surface in the Northern Hemisphere. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times)
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Will more direct sunlight and the warmer temperatures of spring and summer help to clear up the new coronavirus that’s responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic?
President Trump sure hopes so. “It looks like by April, you know in theory, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away — I hope that’s true,” he said in February.
But the truth is, because it is a completely new virus, no one really knows.
(Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times)
It is true that in the springtime, flu viruses and other types of coronaviruses that cause common colds often do fade, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
“But we do not know what this virus is going to do,” Fauci told members of Congress at a hearing last week. “We’ve got to assume that it’s going to get worse, and worse and worse.”
Other infectious diseases experts agreed that we’ll just have to wait and see.
“At this point, we don’t know enough about this virus to understand how it’s going to behave over time,” said Dr. Pritish Tosh, an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
The World Health Organization noted that the virus that causes COVID-19 has infected people on every continent except Antarctica. It can be transmitted in all areas of the globe, including those with hot and humid weather.
The new coronavirus has been spreading in the Southern Hemisphere, where summer will turn to autumn on Thursday. Australia has reported more than 500 cases and five deaths during its summer season, while Brazil has reported more than 300 cases and one death.
It’s a myth that another coronavirus that caused the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, outbreak in 2003 went away on its own as the weather got warmer, according to Marc Lipsitch, an infectious disease expert at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
“SARS did not die of natural causes,” Lipsitch wrote recently. “It was killed by extremely intense public health interventions,” such as isolating infected people and quarantining those who came in contact with them.
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It was also easier to identify the SARS patients who were most infectious because they were ill in a very distinctive way, he wrote. By contrast, the new coronavirus is spread by carriers who are still visibly healthy; in this case, people well enough to stay out of the hospital are playing a key role in the coronavirus’ explosive spread.
Although we don’t know what effect it will have on the virus, we can count on the fact that winter will give way to spring, which will arrive a day early this year because of leap day.
The Earth is tilted on its axis. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times)
Warmer spring and summer days are thought to affect influenza in several ways:
• People who have spent the winter shut up indoors in close quarters with others finally go outside, where they’re less likely to breathe air shared with someone who has been infected.
• Sunlight promotes the body’s synthesis of vitamin D. With longer days and more sunlight, people will have increased levels of this, which strengthens their immune systems.
• Warmer air can hold more moisture. That’s not good for viruses such as influenza that prefer colder, drier conditions in order to spread. Spring days are likely to be warmer and perhaps more humid.
Whether these factors — or others — will affect the course of the COVID-19 pandemic remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the best advice with regard to COVID-19, as always, is to observe the public health measures recommended by local authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Times staff writer Rong-Gong Lin II contributed to this report.