latimes--2020-05-26--Hair salons, barbershops can reopen now, in Stage 3 of Newsom's plan; L.A. also loosens some restric

Hair salons, barbershops can reopen now, in Stage 3 of Newsom's plan; L.A. also loosens some restrictions

Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that counties can begin to reopen hair salons and barbershops , marking a transition to the third stage of a plan to ease his stay-at-home order as California nears 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
With cases on track to nearly double in the month of May , the governor has pointed to steady hospitalizations and other metrics as proof that the state is bending the curve .
The shears will not be snipping immediately in Los Angeles County , however .
The county , which accounts for the bulk of the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its reported deaths , is one of 11 the state has not yet allowed to push further in reopening .
Both L.A. County and city restrictions are more severe than the statewide ones .
Newsom ’ s move to resume salon services , under a county-by-county approach , adds to a growing list of activities , including in-person shopping and eating at restaurants , that the governor has permitted at a regional or statewide level over the last month .
But even as the governor walked back his original March 19 stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules , he warned that the coronavirus will remain a threat in California for months to come .
“ The reality is , this has just begun , ” Newsom said .
“ It hasn ’ t ended .
And while we are moving forward because of stabilization , because of the good work that ’ s been done by health officials all across this nation , all across the state of California , specifically , to suppress the spread of this virus , by no stretch of the imagination is this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected to reopen salons must meet the criteria to move ahead of the current statewide restrictions and require shops to take precautions to protect workers and patrons .
To date , Newsom said 47 out of 58 California counties had met the state ’ s regional standards , which include preparations to increase hospital capacity , testing and supplies of protective equipment .
After a closed-session meeting on Tuesday , the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors announced it would submit a variance application to the state , which if approved would allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s plan for reopening the state .
If granted the variance , the county could accelerate reopening some businesses , including in-person dining at restaurants , which have been shuttered by the coronavirus outbreak .
“ We have to express extreme caution , ” Supervisor Hilda Solis said earlier in the meeting .
Late Tuesday afternoon , the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released a new order that sets the stage for the variance request .
Under the shift , faith-based organizations can resume services , with the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building ’ s capacity , or a maximum of 100 people , whichever is lower .
All retail establishments , including those in indoor and outdoor shopping centers , can open for business at 50 % capacity ; flea markets , swap meets and drive-in movie theaters can also resume operations .
Pools , hot tubs and saunas that are in a multi-unit residence or part of a homeowners association can also open .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also announced Tuesday that all retail businesses in the city will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as long as they adopt the county ’ s safety protocols .
“ We ’ ve earned the right ” to do it , Garcetti said at a media briefing .
Churches and other houses of worship also will be allowed to reopen , he said , but must follow the state ’ s guideline of limiting services to 25 % of their normal capacity , or 100 people , whichever is smaller .
Restaurants are still restricted to take-out services , he said .
Hours after Newsom ’ s news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses were taking more precautions than others , highlighting concerns that the state ’ s decision to move forward could backfire .
A 10-page guidance document released by the state said haircuts , weaves , extensions , braiding , wig maintenance , hair-relaxing treatments and color services could begin again .
Other work that requires employees to touch a client ’ s face , such as facials and eyelash and eyebrow services , will remain suspended .
The state ’ s rules require customers and workers to wear face masks and advise shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance between chairs .
At Old Town Barbers in Temecula , nearly a dozen people waited for haircuts .
The owners sanitized the shop , but workers said they didn ’ t believe that masks were necessary .
“ Since we opened back up to the public , we ’ ve been slammed all day , ” said Nick Hernandez , a co-owner of the shop .
“ Everyone is thankful and glad we ’ re here .
They ’ re ready to get back to real life.
” The barbershop had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces bills for months of unpaid rent .
“ Every day we were closed we were getting deeper in a hole , ” he said .
“ It ’ s going to be rocky for a couple months , at least.
” Barbers were wearing masks and wiping down surface at Legends Barber Shop in Murrieta .
Owner Bryan de la Torre said some of his barbers were hesitant to return to work out of concern about catching the virus .
That left him with just two workers on a Tuesday afternoon shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the pandemic hit .
Dizan Perez , a regular at Legends , said it was his first haircut in three months and he missed having conversations with his barber .
He said he wasn ’ t worried about his safety .
“ I ’ m young enough , ” Perez said .
“ I ’ m healthy .
I take care of myself.
” In California and in many parts of the country , barbershops have previously opened in secret or in defiance of stay-at-home orders , at some risk to employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a barber who continued cutting hair in his home ended up testing positive for the coronavirus .
As of Tuesday , confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California had reached 99,308 while 3,817 people had died , according to The Times ’ coronavirus tracker .
The governor unveiled the new directive for salons the day after his administration issued statewide guidelines for religious services , calling on houses of worship to limit attendance to 25 % of capacity , conduct health screenings of congregants and take other precautions to prevent the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and President Trump , state health officials strongly recommended that churches continue remote services to protect the elderly and those with chronic conditions .
The Newsom administration on Monday also allowed retail stores to reopen in California , shifting away from an earlier patchwork approach that permitted in-person shopping only in counties that met the state ’ s criteria .
Retailers are advised to limit the number of patrons in stores at one time , to urge the use of face masks by employees and customers , and to provide hand sanitizer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom ’ s original four-stage reopening plan , hair salons , barbershops , nail salons and other grooming services , gyms , sports competitions in empty stadiums and religious services were set to open in Stage 3 .
A spokesman for the governor said sporting events , gyms and theme parks could receive the green light to return later on in the third stage .
The fourth and final stage would mark the end of the stay-at-home order and all restrictions , allowing people to return to concerts and sporting events , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occur until a vaccine became widely available .
The governor joked Tuesday that three of his young children did not properly sanitize their work space or respect physical distancing rules over the weekend when they cut his hair , which had grown noticeably long compared with his typically coiffed appearance .
“ It was a family effort to remove what was described by my wife , forgive me , as a mullet , ” Newsom said .
“ Our family will have to read these guidelines as well and make sure we modify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Jaclyn Cosgrove and Sarah Parvini contributed to this report from Los Angeles .

Rosa Pedraza cuts Robert Nunez’s hair at Rosa Hair Salon in Atwater, Calif., on Tuesday. Pedraza has owned the business for 17 years.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that counties can begin to reopen hair salons and barbershops, marking a transition to the third stage of a plan to ease his stay-at-home order as California nears 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
With cases on track to nearly double in the month of May, the governor has pointed to steady hospitalizations and other metrics as proof that the state is bending the curve.
The shears will not be snipping immediately in Los Angeles County, however. The county, which accounts for the bulk of the state’s COVID-19 cases and more than half of its reported deaths, is one of 11 the state has not yet allowed to push further in reopening.
At the Hair Event in Fullerton, Kristy Rana, far left, threads Maureen Harry’s eyebrows, salon owner Zaharia Bala cuts Ahmad Bitar’s hair, center, and Kylee Liu cuts Anthony Arevalo’s hair on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Both L.A. County and city restrictions are more severe than the statewide ones.
Newsom’s move to resume salon services, under a county-by-county approach, adds to a growing list of activities, including in-person shopping and eating at restaurants, that the governor has permitted at a regional or statewide level over the last month.
But even as the governor walked back his original March 19 stay-at-home order after some counties openly defied his rules, he warned that the coronavirus will remain a threat in California for months to come.
“The reality is, this has just begun,” Newsom said. “It hasn’t ended. And while we are moving forward because of stabilization, because of the good work that’s been done by health officials all across this nation, all across the state of California, specifically, to suppress the spread of this virus, by no stretch of the imagination is this virus behind us.”
Dan Collins, co-owner of Skyline Barbershop in Temecula, cuts Gene Kelley’s hair on Tuesday, the first day they could open. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Newsom said counties that elected to reopen salons must meet the criteria to move ahead of the current statewide restrictions and require shops to take precautions to protect workers and patrons.
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To date, Newsom said 47 out of 58 California counties had met the state’s regional standards, which include preparations to increase hospital capacity, testing and supplies of protective equipment.
After a closed-session meeting on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors announced it would submit a variance application to the state, which if approved would allow the county to advance further into Newsom’s plan for reopening the state.
If granted the variance, the county could accelerate reopening some businesses, including in-person dining at restaurants, which have been shuttered by the coronavirus outbreak.
“We have to express extreme caution,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said earlier in the meeting.
Pedro Delafuente, co-owner of Old Town Barber in Temecula, gives 14-year-old Chris Kavanaugh Jr. a haircut Tuesday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Late Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released a new order that sets the stage for the variance request.
Under the shift, faith-based organizations can resume services, with the number of congregants limited to 25% of the building’s capacity, or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower.
All retail establishments, including those in indoor and outdoor shopping centers, can open for business at 50% capacity; flea markets, swap meets and drive-in movie theaters can also resume operations. Pools, hot tubs and saunas that are in a multi-unit residence or part of a homeowners association can also open.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also announced Tuesday that all retail businesses in the city will be able to allow customers inside their stores starting Wednesday, as long as they adopt the county’s safety protocols.
× Despite the growth in coronavirus infections, the governor has eased many of the restrictions of his original stay-at-home order.
“We’ve earned the right” to do it, Garcetti said at a media briefing.
Churches and other houses of worship also will be allowed to reopen, he said, but must follow the state’s guideline of limiting services to 25% of their normal capacity, or 100 people, whichever is smaller.
Restaurants are still restricted to take-out services, he said.
Hours after Newsom’s news conference, salons were already open. Some businesses were taking more precautions than others, highlighting concerns that the state’s decision to move forward could backfire.
A 10-page guidance document released by the state said haircuts, weaves, extensions, braiding, wig maintenance, hair-relaxing treatments and color services could begin again. Other work that requires employees to touch a client’s face, such as facials and eyelash and eyebrow services, will remain suspended.
The state’s rules require customers and workers to wear face masks and advise shops to stagger appointments and create more physical distance between chairs.
At Old Town Barbers in Temecula, nearly a dozen people waited for haircuts. The owners sanitized the shop, but workers said they didn’t believe that masks were necessary.
“Since we opened back up to the public, we’ve been slammed all day,” said Nick Hernandez, a co-owner of the shop. “Everyone is thankful and glad we’re here. They’re ready to get back to real life.”
The barbershop had been forced to lay off workers and now faces bills for months of unpaid rent.
“Every day we were closed we were getting deeper in a hole,” he said. “It’s going to be rocky for a couple months, at least.”
Barbers were wearing masks and wiping down surface at Legends Barber Shop in Murrieta. Owner Bryan de la Torre said some of his barbers were hesitant to return to work out of concern about catching the virus. That left him with just two workers on a Tuesday afternoon shift that would have been staffed with 13 before the pandemic hit.
Dizan Perez, a regular at Legends, said it was his first haircut in three months and he missed having conversations with his barber. He said he wasn’t worried about his safety.
“I’m young enough,” Perez said. “I’m healthy. I take care of myself.”
In California and in many parts of the country, barbershops have previously opened in secret or in defiance of stay-at-home orders, at some risk to employees and customers. In New York state, a barber who continued cutting hair in his home ended up testing positive for the coronavirus.
As of Tuesday, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California had reached 99,308 while 3,817 people had died, according to The Times’ coronavirus tracker.
The governor unveiled the new directive for salons the day after his administration issued statewide guidelines for religious services, calling on houses of worship to limit attendance to 25% of capacity, conduct health screenings of congregants and take other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Amid mounting pressure from protesters and President Trump, state health officials strongly recommended that churches continue remote services to protect the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
The Newsom administration on Monday also allowed retail stores to reopen in California, shifting away from an earlier patchwork approach that permitted in-person shopping only in counties that met the state’s criteria.
Retailers are advised to limit the number of patrons in stores at one time, to urge the use of face masks by employees and customers, and to provide hand sanitizer, in addition to other guidelines.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
Under Newsom’s original four-stage reopening plan, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and other grooming services, gyms, sports competitions in empty stadiums and religious services were set to open in Stage 3. A spokesman for the governor said sporting events, gyms and theme parks could receive the green light to return later on in the third stage.
The fourth and final stage would mark the end of the stay-at-home order and all restrictions, allowing people to return to concerts and sporting events, which the governor previously noted was unlikely to occur until a vaccine became widely available.
The governor joked Tuesday that three of his young children did not properly sanitize their work space or respect physical distancing rules over the weekend when they cut his hair, which had grown noticeably long compared with his typically coiffed appearance.
“It was a family effort to remove what was described by my wife, forgive me, as a mullet,” Newsom said. “Our family will have to read these guidelines as well and make sure we modify our family behavior accordingly.”
Times staff writers Jaclyn Cosgrove and Sarah Parvini in Los Angeles contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-27--Assemblyman Bill Brough loses committee assignments after sexual misconduct investigation

Assemblyman Bill Brough ( R-Dana Point ) was removed from all committee assignments Wednesday after a state investigation found he made inappropriate comments and engaged in unwanted touching with an unidentified woman who filed a complaint with the Legislature .
Brough was notified of the findings of the Workplace Conduct Unit panel by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon ( D-Lakewood ) , who said the alleged conduct was “ detrimental to the professional environment of the Assembly and to its employees.
” “ I categorically deny harassing or offering political favors to anyone , ” Brough said in a statement Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training .
I also want to apologize to my family , friends and supporters for putting them through this unfair process .
We are looking at legal options.
” Brough , 53 , was vice chairman of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and the Revenue and Taxation Committee .
He also was a member of the Assembly Budget and Appropriations committees , among others .
The Republican legislator was told that he must undergo training in workplace harassment prevention , and that more disciplinary action is possible as legislators confer on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Orange County supervisor , have accused Brough of unwanted touching and other misconduct , The Times reported in September .
Brough failed to qualify for the November ballot , placing fourth in the primary election , after the California Republican Party withheld its endorsement of his reelection campaign .
On Wednesday , he disputed the panel ’ s determination that he had violated the Legislature ’ s policy on appropriate workplace conduct .
“ I disagree with the findings and the politically motivated process .
I do not believe the WCU did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely dismissed many of the collaborated , factual elements , ” Brough said in his statement .
Rendon ’ s letter to Brough and to the woman who filed the complaint redacted the woman ’ s name .
“ This letter is to notify you that the WCU concluded its investigation of complaints alleging that on more than one occasion you engaged in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature , ” Rendon wrote .
“ The complaints also included an allegation that on one occasion you impliedly offered political favors in exchange for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ After considering all of the allegations and facts and based upon a preponderance of the evidence , the panel found that on two occasions you engaged in inappropriate conduct towards [ the woman ] , once verbally and on the second occasion both verbally and physically by placing your hand on the small of [ her ] back.
” “ The panel also found that on one of these two occasions you insinuated that you would provide political help to [ the woman ] if [ she ] went to your apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that “ conduct of such a nature can not , and will not be tolerated in the Legislature.
” Brough , who is married , said his opponents “ used taxpayer dollars on investigations to remove me from office.
” He said he was targeted for proposing legislation to restrict toll road expansion in Orange County , which he said was followed by a decision to stop planning for a $ 1-billion extension he termed “ unnecessary.
” Other Republicans were critical of Brough on Wednesday .
Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the investigation .
“ The behavior outlined in the investigation can not be tolerated , ” Waldron said in a statement .
“ Mr .
Brough has been removed from his positions on Assembly committees and I am working with the speaker on next steps.
” California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson said it was “ truly disheartening and distressing ” to learn the results of the investigation .
Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett told The Times last year that she ’ d had a negative encounter with the lawmaker in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” her at an official event in 2011 when they were both on the Dana Point City Council .
Bartlett was not immediately available for comment Wednesday .

Assemblyman William Brough (R-Dana Point) talks with Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron (R-Escondido) in 2016. An investigation has found that Brough engaged in inappropriate conduct with an unidentified woman.
Assemblyman William Brough (R-Dana Point) was removed from all committee assignments Wednesday after a state investigation found he made inappropriate comments and engaged in unwanted touching with an unidentified woman who filed a complaint with the Legislature.
Brough was notified of the findings of the Workplace Conduct Unit panel by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), who said the alleged conduct was “detrimental to the professional environment of the Assembly and to its employees.”
“I categorically deny harassing or offering political favors to anyone,” Brough said in a statement Wednesday. “I will take the recommended training. I also want to apologize to my family, friends and supporters for putting them through this unfair process. We are looking at legal options.”
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Brough, 53, was vice chairman of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and the Revenue and Taxation Committee. He also was a member of the Assembly Budget and Appropriations committees, among others.
The Republican legislator was told that he must undergo training in workplace harassment prevention, and that more disciplinary action is possible as legislators confer on the investigative findings.
Four women, including an Orange County supervisor, have accused Brough of unwanted touching and other misconduct, The Times reported in September.
Brough failed to qualify for the November ballot, placing fourth in the primary election, after the California Republican Party withheld its endorsement of his reelection campaign.
On Wednesday, he disputed the panel’s determination that he had violated the Legislature’s policy on appropriate workplace conduct.
“I disagree with the findings and the politically motivated process. I do not believe the WCU did a complete and fair investigation; they completely dismissed many of the collaborated, factual elements,” Brough said in his statement.
Rendon’s letter to Brough and to the woman who filed the complaint redacted the woman’s name.
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“This letter is to notify you that the WCU concluded its investigation of complaints alleging that on more than one occasion you engaged in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature,” Rendon wrote. “The complaints also included an allegation that on one occasion you impliedly offered political favors in exchange for sexual activity.”
The letter continued: “After considering all of the allegations and facts and based upon a preponderance of the evidence, the panel found that on two occasions you engaged in inappropriate conduct towards [the woman], once verbally and on the second occasion both verbally and physically by placing your hand on the small of [her] back.”
“The panel also found that on one of these two occasions you insinuated that you would provide political help to [the woman] if [she] went to your apartment with you,” Rendon wrote, adding that “conduct of such a nature cannot, and will not be tolerated in the Legislature.”
Rendon also sent separate letters to two people saying an investigation of their complaints substantiated that Brough engaged in inappropriate conduct.
Brough, who is married, said his opponents “used taxpayer dollars on investigations to remove me from office.”
He said he was targeted for proposing legislation to restrict toll road expansion in Orange County, which he said was followed by a decision to stop planning for a $1-billion extension he termed “unnecessary.”
Other Republicans were critical of Brough on Wednesday.
Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Escondido said she respects the outcome of the investigation.
“The behavior outlined in the investigation cannot be tolerated,” Waldron said in a statement. “Mr. Brough has been removed from his positions on Assembly committees and I am working with the speaker on next steps.”
California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson said it was “truly disheartening and distressing” to learn the results of the investigation.
Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett told The Times last year that she’d had a negative encounter with the lawmaker in which he allegedly propositioned and “attacked” her at an official event in 2011 when they were both on the Dana Point City Council.
“The fact that [he] was first ousted by the voters and is now being held accountable by his peers not only delivers justice for his victims, but also hope for others who may be unsure about coming forward,” Bartlett said in a statement Wednesday.


latimes--2020-05-27--Federal judge orders new safety measures in OC jails, but denies inmate releases over coronavirus th

Federal judge orders new safety measures in OC jails, but denies inmate releases over coronavirus threat

A federal judge ruled that Orange County ’ s sheriff acted with deliberate indifference toward the safety of inmates and ordered new social distancing requirements in the jails to combat spread of the coronavirus .
But the decision by U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal Tuesday denied a request by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California to release 468 medical vulnerable inmates at risk of contracting COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
Sheriff Don Barnes said his department will appeal the court order .
“ While I appreciate that the Court did not grant the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into our community , I am disappointed that the Court has ordered us to implement measures which are not mandated by law or regulation , ” Barnes said .
“ I have taken seriously the threat of COVID-19 in our jails .
The department has implemented CDC guidelines in our facilities , and in many instances have done more than their recommendations , long before this lawsuit was filed.
” The ACLU had challenged the conditions of inmate confinement as violating the Constitution ’ s guarantees of due process and protection against cruel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the evidence submitted suggests that although Defendants may have a policy to comply with the ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) guidelines , actual compliance has been piecemeal and inadequate , ” the judge found .
He noted that the Sheriff claimed to “ give inmates soap and other personal hygiene supplies , but inmates report that they have not been given enough soap to frequently wash or clean their living spaces.
” Similarly , the Sheriff claimed to “ quarantine new arrivals and those with a known exposure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals to use the same common spaces as the general population.
” Bernal noted that the number of infected inmates had risen to 369 from only 26 confirmed cases on April 22 .
“ Assuming a current Jail population of 2,826 , the rate of COVID‐19 infection at the Jail is 12.4 % .
That number is astronomical compared to the rate of infection in the Orange County general population , which is about 0.14 % , ” the judge wrote .
“ Plaintiffs have established a likelihood of irreparable harm … Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more inmates will contract the disease .
Undoubtedly some will die .
Certainly , there is no greater irreparable harm than death , ” the judge wrote .
But the ACLU , he wrote , failed to “ meet their burden to prove that the balance of equities tilts in favor of releasing all medically vulnerable and disabled inmates.
” Some inmates could prove a flight risk and pose a threat to public safety , he said , noting that “ many of the individuals in the proposed class have committed or are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed a detailed set of requirements including “ adequate spacing of six feet or more between incarcerated people so that social distancing can be accomplished in accordance with CDC guidelines.
” He required that inmates receive , free of charge , an individual supply of hand soap and paper towels sufficient to allow frequent hand washing and drying each day and an adequate supply of clean implements for cleaning such as sponges , brushes and disinfectant hand wipes or other products effective against the virus .
In addition , each inmate must now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 60 % alcohol as well as daily showers and access to clean laundry .
He also mandated that all Jail staff wear personal protective equipment , including CDC‐recommended surgical masks , when interacting with inmates .
The department is also required to take the temperature of inmates , jail staff and visitors daily and test anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19 .
Barnes has repeatedly rebuffed suggestions that he is not doing enough to protect inmates and opposes further releases , telling the county Board of Supervisors that he has reduced the jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gavin Newsom in March issued the state ’ s stay-at-home-order and social distancing policy .
The sheriff said he has “ implemented extraordinary measures ” to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and preserve jail operations .
“ I am not supportive of extensive preemptive releases that go beyond what is necessary to keep the jail and community safe , ” Barnes said .
“ I am confident that the measures we continue to take in the jails meet our obligation to provide for the safety of both inmates and staff .
”

A federal judge ruled that Orange County’s sheriff acted with deliberate indifference toward the safety of inmates and ordered new social distancing requirements in the jails to combat spread of the coronavirus.
But the decision by U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal on Tuesday denied a request by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California to release 468 medical vulnerable inmates at risk of contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Sheriff Don Barnes said his department would appeal the court order.
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“While I appreciate that the court did not grant the ACLU’s request to release inmates into our community, I am disappointed that the court has ordered us to implement measures which are not mandated by law or regulation,” Barnes said. “I have taken seriously the threat of COVID-19 in our jails. The department has implemented CDC guidelines in our facilities, and in many instances have done more than their recommendations, long before this lawsuit was filed.”
Jacob Reisberg, a jail conditions advocate with the ACLU, said although its request to release vulnerable inmates was not granted, the organization was pleased with Bernal’s ruling that inmates were not being adequately protected.
The ACLU had challenged the conditions of inmate confinement as violating the Constitution’s guarantees of due process and protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
“A review of the evidence submitted suggests that although defendants may have a policy to comply with the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines, actual compliance has been piecemeal and inadequate,” the judge found.
He noted that the sheriff claimed to “give inmates soap and other personal hygiene supplies, but inmates report that they have not been given enough soap to frequently wash or clean their living spaces.”
Similarly, the sheriff claimed to “quarantine new arrivals and those with a known exposure, but inmates declare that defendants allow quarantined individuals to use the same common spaces as the general population.”
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Bernal noted that the number of infected inmates had risen to 369 from only 26 confirmed cases on April 22.
“Assuming a current Jail population of 2,826, the rate of COVID‐19 infection at the Jail is 12.4%. That number is astronomical compared to the rate of infection in the Orange County general population, which is about 0.14%,” the judge wrote.
“Plaintiffs have established a likelihood of irreparable harm.... Without additional measures to abate the spread, more inmates will contract the disease. Undoubtedly some will die. Certainly, there is no greater irreparable harm than death,” the judge wrote.
But the ACLU, he wrote, failed to “meet their burden to prove that the balance of equities tilts in favor of releasing all medically vulnerable and disabled inmates.”
Some inmates could prove a flight risk and pose a threat to public safety, he said, noting that “many of the individuals in the proposed class have committed or are charged with violent crimes.”
Bernal instead imposed a detailed set of requirements including “adequate spacing of six feet or more between incarcerated people so that social distancing can be accomplished in accordance with CDC guidelines.”
He required that inmates receive, free of charge, an individual supply of hand soap and paper towels sufficient to allow frequent hand washing and drying each day and an adequate supply of clean implements for cleaning such as sponges, brushes and disinfectant hand wipes or other products effective against the virus.
In addition, each inmate must now have access to hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol as well as daily showers and access to clean laundry.
He also mandated that all Jail staff wear personal protective equipment, including CDC‐recommended surgical masks, when interacting with inmates.
The department is also required to take the temperature of inmates, jail staff and visitors daily and test anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
Barnes has repeatedly rebuffed suggestions that he is not doing enough to protect inmates and opposes further releases, telling the county Board of Supervisors that he has reduced the jail population by about 45% since Gov. Gavin Newsom in March issued the state’s stay-at-home-order and social distancing policy.
The sheriff said he has “implemented extraordinary measures” to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and preserve jail operations.
“I am not supportive of extensive preemptive releases that go beyond what is necessary to keep the jail and community safe,” Barnes said. “I am confident that the measures we continue to take in the jails meet our obligation to provide for the safety of both inmates and staff.”


latimes--2020-05-27--Orange County reports 5 new deaths as coronavirus hospitalizations hit new high

Orange County health officials reported five additional coronavirus-linked fatalities Wednesday , raising the region ’ s death toll to 136 @ @ @ @ @ patients hospitalized countywide also hit a new high — 274 — in the latest update @ @ @ @ @ people who were in intensive care , down slightly from the previous report .
Fifty-four @ @ @ @ @ were residents of skilled-nursing facilities , according to the Orange County Health Care Agency .
@ @ @ @ @ with outbreaks of COVID-19 at such facilities , which are of significant concern because residents @ @ @ @ @ severe reactions to the disease .
Orange County also reported 116 new coronavirus infections Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ to 5,646 .
That figure includes an estimated 2,090 people who have since recovered .
@ @ @ @ @ positive are 617 skilled-nursing residents and 369 county jail inmates .
Note : “ Other @ @ @ @ @ , as well as cases in the county ’ s jails .
Daily updates are @ @ @ @ @ as the county receives new information .

Families practice social distancing while playing in the water and sand near the San Clemente Pier on May 18.
Orange County health officials reported five additional coronavirus-linked fatalities Wednesday, raising the region’s death toll to 136.
The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized countywide also hit a new high — 274 — in the latest update. That figure includes 101 people who were in intensive care, down slightly from the previous report.
Fifty-four of those who have died were residents of skilled-nursing facilities, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
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Officials throughout California have contended with outbreaks of COVID-19 at such facilities, which are of significant concern because residents are particularly at risk of severe reactions to the disease.
Orange County also reported 116 new coronavirus infections Wednesday, boosting its cumulative total to 5,646. That figure includes an estimated 2,090 people who have since recovered.
Among those who have tested positive are 617 skilled-nursing residents and 369 county jail inmates.
Age breakdown of cases
0-17 — 222
18-24 — 552
25-34 — 1,036
35-44 — 850
45-54 — 1,017
55-64 — 851
65-74 — 522
75-84 — 352
85+ — 243
Unknown — 1
Age breakdown of deaths
25-34 — 3
35-44 — 5
45-54 — 11
55-64 — 16
65-74 — 24
75-84 — 39
85+ — 38
California Do you know someone who has lost the battle with COVID-19? In our effort to cover this pandemic as thoroughly as possible, we’d like to hear from the loved ones of people who have died from the coronavirus.
Cases by community
Aliso Viejo — 28
Anaheim — 944
Brea — 41
Buena Park — 161
Costa Mesa — 107
Coto de Caza — 6
Cypress — 71
Dana Point — 28
Fountain Valley — 55
Fullerton — 189
Garden Grove — 302
Huntington Beach — 329
Irvine — 183
La Habra — 101
La Palma — 19
Ladera Ranch — 14
Laguna Beach — 45
Laguna Hills — 30
Laguna Niguel — 37
Laguna Woods — 9
Lake Forest — 50
Los Alamitos — 76
Midway City — 13
Mission Viejo — 70
Newport Beach — 140
Orange — 264
Placentia — 111
Rancho Mission Viejo — 7
Rancho Santa Margarita — 21
San Clemente — 65
San Juan Capistrano — 53
Santa Ana — 1,063
Seal Beach — 18
Stanton — 74
Trabuco Canyon — 13
Tustin — 90
Villa Park — 6
Westminster — 113
Yorba Linda — 77
Other — 370
Unknown — 253
Note: “Other” category includes unincorporated areas, as well as cases in the county’s jails. Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information.


latimes--2020-05-27--Placer County pushes to reopen gyms, nail salons, tourist venues

As wide swaths of California more fully enter the second phase of the state ’ s reopening plan , officials in Placer County are pushing to go even further .
The Board of Supervisors for the county , located northeast of Sacramento , voted unanimously Tuesday to petition the state for permission to move into Stage 3 — which would allow gyms , nail salons and entertainment venues to reopen , with modifications .
The county is also seeking to restart youth sports and other programs .
With the summer tourist season just around the corner — a key concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which borders Lake Tahoe — supervisors also are asking for “ specific flexibility to reopen for tourism no later than June 1 , and for the state to provide reopening guidance for the industry , ” according to a statement .
Placer County also is seeking to scrap the state ’ s recent guideline that subjects churches to a 100-person attendance limit for in-person services .
Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Bonnie Gore said the county is “ concerned about protecting the most vulnerable ” during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been doing now for the past two and a half months.
” “ However , there is also a balance between protecting human life and protecting the other parts of life that are important — the economic and mental health of our residents , ” she said in a statement .
“ As we open up , we anticipate a spike will happen .
The good news is that we ’ re well prepared to address those surges.
” To date , Placer County has recorded 194 cases of COVID-19 , and 164 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of Wednesday , only five patients were hospitalized , with three of them in intensive care , according to county data .
The county ’ s overall coronavirus-linked death toll stands at nine .
Placer is one of 47 California counties that have already received state approval to move further into Stage 2 — allowing them to reopen restaurant dining rooms and retail businesses for in-store shopping with certain modifications .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that counties can reopen hair salons and barbershops as part of the transition to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s stay-at-home order .
However , rural and less-populated counties have regularly pushed the state to allow them to more quickly and dramatically relax those restrictions — pointing out that they haven ’ t seen the same levels of coronavirus activity as their more urban counterparts .
“ This is about community members who are dramatically suffering , ” Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson said in a statement .
“ Some of our small business people are losing everything they ’ ve worked their whole lives for .
”

Placer County resident Jerry O’Brien holds a sign as he joins other demonstrators in a rally protesting California’s stay-at-home order on Friday.
As wide swaths of California more fully enter the second phase of the state’s reopening plan, officials in Placer County are pushing to go even further.
The Board of Supervisors for the county, located northeast of Sacramento, voted unanimously Tuesday to petition the state for permission to move into Stage 3 — which would allow gyms, nail salons and entertainment venues to reopen, with modifications.
The county is also seeking to restart youth sports and other programs.
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With the summer tourist season just around the corner — a key concern in the eastern part of the county, which borders Lake Tahoe — supervisors also are asking for “specific flexibility to reopen for tourism no later than June 1, and for the state to provide reopening guidance for the industry,” according to a statement.
Placer County also is seeking to scrap the state’s recent guideline that subjects churches to a 100-person attendance limit for in-person services.
Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Bonnie Gore said the county is “concerned about protecting the most vulnerable” during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and “that’s what we’ve been doing now for the past two and a half months.”
“However, there is also a balance between protecting human life and protecting the other parts of life that are important — the economic and mental health of our residents,” she said in a statement. “As we open up, we anticipate a spike will happen. The good news is that we’re well prepared to address those surges.”
To date, Placer County has recorded 194 cases of COVID-19, and 164 of those people have already recovered. As of Wednesday, only five patients were hospitalized, with three of them in intensive care, according to county data.
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The county’s overall coronavirus-linked death toll stands at nine.
Placer is one of 47 California counties that have already received state approval to move further into Stage 2 — allowing them to reopen restaurant dining rooms and retail businesses for in-store shopping with certain modifications.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that counties can reopen hair salons and barbershops as part of the transition to the third stage of the plan to ease the state’s stay-at-home order.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
However, rural and less-populated counties have regularly pushed the state to allow them to more quickly and dramatically relax those restrictions — pointing out that they haven’t seen the same levels of coronavirus activity as their more urban counterparts.
“This is about community members who are dramatically suffering,” Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson said in a statement. “Some of our small business people are losing everything they’ve worked their whole lives for.”


latimes--2020-05-27--Cash, casinos and a sexual harassment payout: Former Huizar aide agrees to plead guilty

George Esparza , a former aide to Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar , has agreed to plead guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge in the federal “ pay-to-play ” corruption probe at City Hall , prosecutors said Wednesday .
Esparza , 33 , admitted to participating in several schemes , including one that centered on a massive downtown real estate project being developed by a Chinese company owned and run by a Chinese billionaire , the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office said .
The developer provided Esparza and his boss financial benefits during more than a dozen trips to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators said .
“ Between June 2014 and January 2018 , defendant Esparza personally accepted at least approximately $ 32,000 in gambling chips , plus flights on private jets and commercial airlines , stays at luxurious hotels , expensive meals and alcohol , spa services , event tickets and escort services , ” federal prosecutors said .
Prosecutors said the developer had been seeking to build a 77-story skyscraper that would be the tallest building west of the Mississippi River , according to federal filings .
Details in Wednesday ’ s filings match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Shenzhen New World Group , a Chinese company that sought to redevelop a downtown hotel and add a 77-story tower to the site .
The Times was unable to immediately reach a representative of Shenzhen New World Group for comment .
Prosecutors said the developer also helped to facilitate a $ 570,000 payment to help Esparza ’ s boss resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit filed during Huizar ’ s 2015 reelection campaign .
Although the filing does not name the official , Huizar was fending off a sexual harassment lawsuit from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the months leading up to his reelection .
A lawyer for Esparza did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Esparza has agreed to cooperate with the investigation as part of a plea deal .
In recent years , he has been working as a high-level aide to state Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo ( D-Los Angeles ) , earning around $ 117,000 annually working as her chief of staff , according to state records from earlier this year .
Carrillo did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Esparza is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption case to agree to plead guilty over the last three months , as FBI agents and federal prosecutors forge ahead with their sprawling investigation .
Two months ago , former City Councilman Mitchell Englander agreed to plead guilty to scheming to falsify facts in a probe of his acceptance of envelopes of cash and other gifts .
In addition , former City Planning Commissioner Justin Jangwoo Kim agreed to plead guilty to bribery in a case involving a real estate developer , a Los Angeles City Council member and a box containing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors did not name the council member , their description of him made clear they were referring to Huizar , who represents a district stretching from downtown to Eagle Rock .
In Wednesday ’ s filing , prosecutors identified Esparza as the council aide who showed up with the box of cash .
Esparza ’ s boss told him to hide the money and that he would collect it later , according to federal filings .
Earlier this month , real estate consultant George Chiang agreed to plead guilty to a racketeering charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme in which a Chinese real estate company bribed a council member in exchange for help on a major development project .
Details in that filing also make clear prosecutors were referring to Huizar .
In the Chiang filing , prosecutors said the councilman had been leading a criminal enterprise that relied on bribes and other illegal acts .
Esparza was hired by Huizar in September 2009 and stayed in the office until January 2018 , according to the city ’ s personnel department .
Three years ago , federal investigators served a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contained in the email address “ georgesparza @ gmail.com.
” The search yielded hundreds of relevant messages , according to court records .
Esparza also was one of more than a dozen people named in a 2018 federal search warrant that sought evidence of possible crimes including bribery , extortion and money laundering .
The warrant , which became widely known more than a year ago , did not say that investigators had gathered evidence of criminal activity by those individuals .
Esparza told The Times last year that he had stopped working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profoundly uncomfortable ” with the councilman ’ s conduct .
“ As Huizar ’ s special assistant , ” he said in a statement at the time , “ I was in one of the best positions to see how the council member wielded his political power in ways in which , while he apparently had normalized , I did not feel aligned with how I wanted to live my political and personal life .
“ So I got out before I became collateral damage , ” he continued .
“ And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I work for someone that does it the right way.
” At the time , Esparza did not directly answer questions about whether he observed or participated in any illegal acts .
After resigning from his City Hall post , Esparza secured a job with Carrillo , the state assemblywoman , who also previously worked for Huizar .
While working as Carrillo ’ s chief of staff , Esparza and his boss were by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon for engaging in inappropriate workplace conduct .
Rendon cited allegations that Esparza had made “ @ @ @ @ @

David Zahniser, Emily Alpert Reyes, Joel Rubin

A former aide to L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar, above, has agreed to plead guilty in the federal “pay-to-play” corruption probe at City Hall, prosecutors said.
For years, George Esparza was known as one of Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar’s closest aides, driving him around town, attending to him at events and serving as his special assistant.
On Wednesday, the 33-year-old former Huizar staffer agreed to plead guilty in the ongoing corruption investigation at City Hall, becoming the closest associate of the councilman so far to be snared in the federal “pay-to-play” probe.
In a deal with prosecutors, Esparza will admit to participating in an audacious scheme to hit up real estate developers for cash, luxurious trips, political contributions and other bribes in exchange for help with major development projects, court records show. He will plead guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge.
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Esparza is the fourth person to agree to plead guilty in the sprawling investigation. The machinations carried out by Esparza and others amounted to a criminal enterprise, according to prosecutors who charged him under a law used to combat organized crime syndicates.
In charge of the operation, prosecutors allege, was Esparza’s boss — a councilman who is not named in court records but is known to be Huizar based on a host of details in federal filings. Prosecutors said the councilman received more than $1 million worth of bribes from just one of the real estate developers doing business in his district.
A lawyer for Esparza did not respond to a request for comment. Esparza has been working in recent years as chief of staff to Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), who also did not respond to The Times’ inquiries.
Huizar’s attorney declined to comment. The councilman, whose district stretches from downtown to Eagle Rock, has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
Under the terms of the plea deal, Esparza will cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Prosecutors already have won plea deals from a former City Council member, a political fundraiser and a real estate consultant, who admitted to participating in illicit activities that involved either Huizar or others in his orbit.
Esparza, who worked as a special assistant to Huizar from 2013 to 2018, featured in those allegations and others that prosecutors detailed in their court filings Wednesday.
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In one, Esparza and the councilman enriched themselves with the largesse from the billionaire head of a major Chinese real estate company, who paid more than $1 million in bribes in exchange for help clearing the way for a 77-story skyscraper the company wanted to build downtown, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
Details on that project, contained in federal filings, match up with a development proposed by Shenzhen New World Group, a Chinese company that sought to build a 77-story tower on Figueroa Street. The Times was unable to immediately reach a representative of the developer for comment.
Esparza told investigators that between 2014 and 2018, the developer provided him and his boss free flights on private jets, gambling chips, expensive meals and other perks during more than a dozen trips to casinos in Las Vegas, court records show. In 2016, the developer also flew the pair to Australia for another gambling trip.
The developer shelled out more than $850,000 for the trips, providing more than $200,000 in chips to the councilman, prosecutors alleged in court records.
In addition, Esparza acknowledged he had helped facilitate a deal in which the same developer helped the councilman secure a $570,000 loan — money he used in 2014 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former aide. That same year, Huizar was facing a sexual harassment lawsuit from a former aide, which was settled under terms that were kept confidential.
In exchange for the financial benefits, the councilman “routinely assisted” the developer over the years, drawing up a City Hall resolution praising the company’s chairman in 2014, prosecutors said. The 77-story project on Figueroa Street has been on hold for years and has not received a final vote, according to planning officials.
The federal corruption investigation has rocked Los Angeles City Hall. ( Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
Esparza also admitted to helping the councilman, who chaired a powerful committee that oversaw major real estate projects, to shake down developers for contributions to a political action committee meant to assist a relative who was running to replace the councilman.
Details in federal filings make clear that prosecutors are referring to Richelle Huizar, the wife of the councilman, who ran briefly for his seat in 2018. Richelle Huizar has not been named in the filings or charged with a crime. Her attorney declined to comment Wednesday.
When businesses did not play ball with the councilman, there were consequences, according to federal prosecutors. During one phone call, Esparza complained that a developer had not come through with certain “commitments.”
“Why even be helpful to them…. We are not going to help them,” he said, according to the federal filing.
The sweeping case has led to three other plea deals: In March, former City Councilman Mitchell Englander agreed to plead guilty to scheming to falsify facts in a probe of his acceptance of envelopes of cash and other gifts. Former City Planning Commissioner Justin Jangwoo Kim agreed to plead guilty to bribery in a case involving a box containing $200,000 in cash.
In Wednesday’s filing, prosecutors identified Esparza as the council aide who showed up at his boss’ home with the box of cash.
This month, real estate consultant George Chiang agreed to plead guilty to a racketeering charge, admitting he was involved in a scheme in which a Chinese real estate company bribed a council member in exchange for help on a major development project. Details in that filing also make clear prosecutors were referring to Huizar.
Esparza told The Times last year that he had stopped working for the councilman because he was “profoundly uncomfortable” with the councilman’s conduct.
“So I got out before I became collateral damage,” he said in a statement at the time.
After resigning from his City Hall post, Esparza secured a job with Carrillo, earning around $117,000 annually, according to state records from this year.
While working as Carrillo’s chief of staff, Esparza and his boss were reprimanded by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon for engaging in inappropriate workplace conduct. Rendon cited allegations that Esparza had made “inappropriate sexual comments.”


latimes--2020-05-27--Newsom says rules for reopening California fitness centers coming 'in a week or so'

Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Wednesday said his administration will release guidelines “ in a week or so ” for allowing gyms , yoga studios and other fitness facilities to reopen , though stringent safeguards will need to be adopted to protect customers from the COVID-19 pandemic .
Newsom cautioned that the state directives will be tailored to the unique characteristics of each business , from large fitness chains to small studios , and will rely heavily on the advice of public health officials in each county .
The governor made the comments during an online roundtable with fitness professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he hopes to allow them to be back in business as soon as possible .
“ We also recognize your sector is multifaceted and we don ’ t want to be naive and just put out something that ’ s bland and that doesn ’ t meet your unique criteria and your unique considerations , ” Newsom said .
The news comes as Dr. Sara Cody , Santa Clara County ’ s public health officer who was a key figure in crafting the San Francisco Bay Area ’ s shelter-in-place order , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said she was concerned with the Newsom administration ’ s decision to allow gatherings of up to 100 people for religious , cultural or political reasons and the “ increased frequency ” with which the state is lifting coronavirus restrictions .
Newsom said that 47 of California ’ s 58 counties had met the state ’ s regional standards to ease his stay-at-home order , which include preparations to increase hospital capacity , testing and supplies of protective equipment .
That has allowed retailers in most of the state to open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The governor ‘ s chief of staff , Ann O ’ Leary , said the draft guidelines to reopen the fitness industry are currently being reviewed by state public health officials and that she expects those directives to be released within a week .
Adam Attia , owner of Fitness Rangers in Sacramento , told the governor that the closure , put in place in March to stem the spread of the coronavirus , has been financially and personally devastating .
He told the governor he needs to reopen soon — within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes to stay in business .
“ We ’ re desperate .
We want to go back into the gym .
We ’ re doing everything we can to keep our members engaged , ” Attia told Newsom during the meeting , which streamed on YouTube .
“ We ’ re at a point where I ’ m going to have to lay everyone off .
I may have to close my doors permanently if we can ’ t reopen soon .
We really need your support.
” Francesca Schuler , chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how essential the fitness industry is to Californians .
“ We ’ re one of the only industries that ’ s really in preventative healthcare of the community so impacted by COVID-19 .
Many of them are individuals who struggle with chronic illnesses.
, usually , diabetes , high blood pressure , ” Schuler told the governor .
This week , Newsom unveiled the new directive for salons and issued statewide guidelines for religious services , calling on houses of worship to limit attendance to 25 % of capacity of their buildings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The Newsom administration on Monday also allowed retail stores to reopen , shifting away from an earlier patchwork approach that permitted in-person shopping only in counties that met the state ’ s criteria .
Retailers are advised to limit the number of patrons in stores at one time , urge employees and customers to wear face masks , and provide hand sanitizer , in addition to other guidelines .
Under Newsom ’ s original four-stage reopening plan , hair salons , barbershops , nail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sports competitions in empty stadiums and religious services were set to open in Stage 3 .
The fourth and final stage would mark the end of the stay-at-home order and all restrictions , allowing people to return to concerts and sporting events , which the governor previously noted was unlikely to occur until a vaccine became widely available .

Pedestrians walk past a shuttered gym along Pacific Avenue in Huntington Park on April 29. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he expects to release guidelines in about to week that will allow gyms and fitness studios to reopen.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday said his administration will release guidelines “in a week or so” for allowing gyms, yoga studios and other fitness facilities to reopen, though stringent safeguards will need to be adopted to protect customers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsom cautioned that the state directives will be tailored to the unique characteristics of each business, from large fitness chains to small studios, and will rely heavily on the advice of public health officials in each county.
The governor made the comments during an online roundtable with fitness professionals and business owners Wednesday morning, saying he hopes to allow them to be back in business as soon as possible.
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“We also recognize your sector is multifaceted and we don’t want to be naive and just put out something that’s bland and that doesn’t meet your unique criteria and your unique considerations,” Newsom said.
The news comes as Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County’s public health officer who was a key figure in crafting the San Francisco Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order, the first of its kind in the U.S., said she was concerned with the Newsom administration’s decision to allow gatherings of up to 100 people for religious, cultural or political reasons and the “increased frequency” with which the state is lifting coronavirus restrictions.
Newsom said that 47 of California’s 58 counties had met the state’s regional standards to ease his stay-at-home order, which include preparations to increase hospital capacity, testing and supplies of protective equipment. That has allowed retailers in most of the state to open, as well as hair salons and barbershops.
The governor‘s chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, said the draft guidelines to reopen the fitness industry are currently being reviewed by state public health officials and that she expects those directives to be released within a week.
Adam Attia, owner of Fitness Rangers in Sacramento, told the governor that the closure, put in place in March to stem the spread of the coronavirus, has been financially and personally devastating. He told the governor he needs to reopen soon — within a week or so — if he hopes to stay in business.
“We’re desperate. We want to go back into the gym. We’re doing everything we can to keep our members engaged,” Attia told Newsom during the meeting, which streamed on YouTube. “We’re at a point where I’m going to have to lay everyone off. I may have to close my doors permanently if we can’t reopen soon. We really need your support.”
Francesca Schuler, chief executive of In-Shape Health Clubs, also emphasized how essential the fitness industry is to Californians.
“We’re one of the only industries that’s really in preventative healthcare of the community so impacted by COVID-19. Many of them are individuals who struggle with chronic illnesses., usually, diabetes, high blood pressure,” Schuler told the governor.
This week, Newsom unveiled the new directive for salons and issued statewide guidelines for religious services, calling on houses of worship to limit attendance to 25% of capacity of their buildings, conduct health screenings of congregants and take other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Advertisement
The Newsom administration on Monday also allowed retail stores to reopen, shifting away from an earlier patchwork approach that permitted in-person shopping only in counties that met the state’s criteria. Retailers are advised to limit the number of patrons in stores at one time, urge employees and customers to wear face masks, and provide hand sanitizer, in addition to other guidelines.
Under Newsom’s original four-stage reopening plan, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and other grooming services, gyms, sports competitions in empty stadiums and religious services were set to open in Stage 3.
The fourth and final stage would mark the end of the stay-at-home order and all restrictions, allowing people to return to concerts and sporting events, which the governor previously noted was unlikely to occur until a vaccine became widely available.


latimes--2020-05-27--O.C. company profited off fake coronavirus tests, prosecutors say

A Huntington Beach company promised buyers an FDA-approved coronavirus home testing kit with results in 10 minutes .
It pitched a disinfectant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency that could keep the virus off surfaces for 28 days .
It backed its claims up with what it said was a scientific study .
But Los Angeles City Atty .
Mike Feuer on Wednesday said those approvals and even the study were all works of fiction by Wellness Matrix Group and its principal executives , George Todt and Barry Migliorini .
Labeling the products scams , Feuer is seeking a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barring the firm from selling coronavirus home testing kits and its disinfectant products .
Company officials did not return telephone calls seeking comment .
Feuer ’ s lawsuit alleges the company committed unfair , fraudulent and dangerous business practices tied to its at-home tests and numerous disinfectant products and seeks full restitution for consumers and civil penalties .
Feuer ’ s actions come as criminal investigators from the Food and Drug Administration are examining Wellness Matrix Group practices with regard to its coronavirus products .
“ It ’ s inexcusable to try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people ’ s health .
We allege these defendants have been doing just that , engaging in a pattern of misrepresentation to boost their sales that includes fabricating a study to help pitch one of their products , claiming to have government approvals they ’ ve never had , and more , ” Feuer said .
“ During this health crisis , we ’ ll continue to be especially vigilant about protecting an anxious public from those who would try to take advantage of them.
” Feuer said the firm exploited people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering at-home COVID-19 serology , or antibody , test kits that allegedly produced results in 10 minutes and that it falsely claimed were FDA-approved for such a use .
Under the law , a manufacturer ’ s at-home medical diagnostic test can not be sold in California or anywhere else in the nation unless it has FDA approval .
The FDA has never approved at-home serology tests .
But the lawsuit alleges Todt and Migliorini continued making these false claims while selling tests in California .
Feuer said the test kits may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that made people think it was safe to be around others .
The firm also sold and advertised COVID-19 disinfectant products , from 2-ounce bottles for personal use to 55-gallon drums intended for large-scale disinfection .
Feuer and the lawsuit allege that the firm promoted the disinfectant by describing it as an EPA-approved product .
Wellness Matrix Group has previously insisted its testing kits work after company executives were confronted by a National Public Radio reporter about the lack of approvals .
Feuer said to bolster sales , the firm allegedly attached false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fabricated scientific studies and white papers to substantiate its claims .
The sale of disinfectant products is highly regulated by state and federal governments .
The defendants sold COVID-19 disinfectants that are apparently not listed with either the EPA or the California Department of Pesticide Regulation .
The company , according to the suit , said its products can be applied directly to the skin , are nontoxic and environmentally friendly .
Also included in their advertising is a research paper , supposedly authored by a professor of medicine .
But this too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feuer .
The suit alleges the researcher ’ s name and credentials were stolen and added to the doctored study to give the appearance that it supported the firm ’ s products , Feuer told reporters Wednesday .
Feuer ’ s action comes after Wellness Matrix Group became the subject of an investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform .
Feuer previously sent a letter demanding the firm substantiate its advertising claims and notifying it of California ’ s unfair competition and false advertising laws .

A Huntington Beach company promised buyers an FDA-approved coronavirus home testing kit with results in 10 minutes.
It pitched a disinfectant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency that could keep the virus off surfaces for 28 days.
It backed its claims up with what it said was a scientific study.
But Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer on Wednesday said those approvals and even the study were all works of fiction by Wellness Matrix Group and its principal executives, George Todt and Barry Migliorini. Labeling the products scams, Feuer is seeking a court order in Los Angeles County Superior Court barring the firm from selling coronavirus home testing kits and its disinfectant products. Company officials did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
Feuer’s lawsuit alleges the company committed unfair, fraudulent and dangerous business practices tied to its at-home tests and numerous disinfectant products and seeks full restitution for consumers and civil penalties. Feuer’s actions come as criminal investigators from the Food and Drug Administration are examining Wellness Matrix Group practices with regard to its coronavirus products.
“It’s inexcusable to try to profit from this pandemic at the expense of people’s health. We allege these defendants have been doing just that, engaging in a pattern of misrepresentation to boost their sales that includes fabricating a study to help pitch one of their products, claiming to have government approvals they’ve never had, and more,” Feuer said. “During this health crisis, we’ll continue to be especially vigilant about protecting an anxious public from those who would try to take advantage of them.”
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Feuer said the firm exploited people’s fear about the virus by offering at-home COVID-19 serology, or antibody, test kits that allegedly produced results in 10 minutes and that it falsely claimed were FDA-approved for such a use.
Under the law, a manufacturer’s at-home medical diagnostic test cannot be sold in California or anywhere else in the nation unless it has FDA approval. The FDA has never approved at-home serology tests. But the lawsuit alleges Todt and Migliorini continued making these false claims while selling tests in California.
Feuer said the test kits may have placed people in danger with false negatives that made people think it was safe to be around others.
The firm also sold and advertised COVID-19 disinfectant products, from 2-ounce bottles for personal use to 55-gallon drums intended for large-scale disinfection. Feuer and the lawsuit allege that the firm promoted the disinfectant by describing it as an EPA-approved product.
Wellness Matrix Group has previously insisted its testing kits work after company executives were confronted by a National Public Radio reporter about the lack of approvals.
Feuer said to bolster sales, the firm allegedly attached false EPA registration numbers to its products and fabricated scientific studies and white papers to substantiate its claims. The sale of disinfectant products is highly regulated by state and federal governments. The defendants sold COVID-19 disinfectants that are apparently not listed with either the EPA or the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
The company, according to the suit, said its products can be applied directly to the skin, are nontoxic and environmentally friendly. Also included in their advertising is a research paper, supposedly authored by a professor of medicine. But this too is a work of fiction, said Feuer. The suit alleges the researcher’s name and credentials were stolen and added to the doctored study to give the appearance that it supported the firm’s products, Feuer told reporters Wednesday.
Feuer’s action comes after Wellness Matrix Group became the subject of an investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Feuer previously sent a letter demanding the firm substantiate its advertising claims and notifying it of California’s unfair competition and false advertising laws.


latimes--2020-05-27--California coronavirus milestone: 100,000 cases. 'It hasn't ended'

The number of coronavirus infections in California surpassed 100,000 Wednesday , marking a milestone that comes as the state is rapidly reopening its economy .
California is the fourth state to surpass 100,000 confirmed cases .
New York leads with more than 300,000 cases .
California has recorded more than 3,800 deaths , far fewer than New York , which has 29,000 ; New Jersey , which has 11,000 ; or Massachusetts , which has recorded 6,400 .
The rising cases don ’ t necessarily mean outbreaks are spreading .
California has dramatically increased testing , which some officials credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s move this week to resume salon services , under a county-by-county approach , adds to a growing list of activities — including in-person shopping and eating at restaurants — that he has permitted at a regional or statewide level over the last month .
With cases on track to nearly double in May , the governor has pointed to steady numbers in hospitalizations and other metrics as proof that the state is bending the curve .
But he cautioned that reopening doesn ’ t mean the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reality is , this has just begun , ” Newsom said .
“ It hasn ’ t ended .
And while we are moving forward because of stabilization , because of the good work that ’ s been done by health officials all across this nation , all across the state of California , specifically , to suppress the spread of this virus , by no stretch of the imagination is this virus behind us.
” Even with the positive developments , Newsom warned , “ that doesn ’ t mean this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re out of the woods yet.
” The state recorded 3,215 new coronavirus infections Tuesday — the most reported in a single day since the onset of the pandemic , and a spike that officials attribute to a lag in reporting over the holiday weekend .
About 57 % of those new cases were reported in Los Angeles County , which has struggled in recent months as the setting for an outsize number of infections and deaths statewide .
L.A. County health officials also reached a new daily record Tuesday , reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , L.A. County health officials reported 933 new cases of COVID-19 , pushing the region ’ s total number of infections to 48,700 .
The county also reported 53 new virus-related fatalities , bringing its death toll to 2,195 .
The increase in cases comes as large swaths of California begin moving into the .
As part of this phase , Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced this week that would be allowed to reopen in 47 of California ’ s 58 counties .
Los Angeles County is one of the 11 counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third stage of reopening .
However , county officials plan to submit a variance application that , if approved by the state , would let more of the economy reopen .
Officials have not yet publicly provided all of the data that would be included in the application .
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the decline in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations as well as the county ’ s rate of infection per 100,000 people signal to her that the region is ready to move ahead with reopening , albeit with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow faith-based services , in-store shopping at low-risk retail stores , drive-in movies and other recreational activities to resume .
“ There is a lot at stake as we reopen , ” Ferrer said .
“ More people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19 , which is more cases and likely more hospitalizations and deaths .
This is why it couldn ’ t be more important for us to take care of each other when we ’ re out of our homes.
” Memorial Day weekend provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as summery temperatures sent large swaths of people outdoors , many for the first time in weeks .
While some areas did not report any problems , Pasadena ’ s Eaton Canyon was closed for the rest of the month because of overcrowding .
At Venice Beach , visitors— many of whom were not wearing face coverings or adhering to social distancing practices — packed the boardwalk .
Officials said a failure to follow rules , including the prohibition of sunbathing and other public health violations , has been an ongoing problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ L.A. County as , step by step , we begin safely reopening our communities and economy , ” Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a prepared statement .
“ But reopening does not mean going back to business as usual .
As long as community members follow safety rules , we can continue to make more progress .
”

The number of coronavirus infections in California surpassed 100,000 Wednesday, marking a milestone that comes as the state is rapidly reopening its economy.
California is the fourth state to surpass 100,000 confirmed cases. New York leads with more than 300,000 cases. California has recorded more than 3,800 deaths, far fewer than New York, which has 29,000; New Jersey, which has 11,000; or Massachusetts, which has recorded 6,400.
The rising cases don’t necessarily mean outbreaks are spreading. California has dramatically increased testing, which some officials credit for the rise in confirmed cases.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom’s move this week to resume salon services, under a county-by-county approach, adds to a growing list of activities — including in-person shopping and eating at restaurants — that he has permitted at a regional or statewide level over the last month.
With cases on track to nearly double in May, the governor has pointed to steady numbers in hospitalizations and other metrics as proof that the state is bending the curve. But he cautioned that reopening doesn’t mean the threat of the virus is gone.
California A silent coronavirus threat looms large as California reopens businesses At Eaton Canyon, a popular Pasadena hiking area, so many people crowded the trail Saturday morning — many without masks and jammed close together — that rangers shut it down for the rest of the month.
“The reality is, this has just begun,” Newsom said. “It hasn’t ended. And while we are moving forward because of stabilization, because of the good work that’s been done by health officials all across this nation, all across the state of California, specifically, to suppress the spread of this virus, by no stretch of the imagination is this virus behind us.”
Even with the positive developments, Newsom warned, “that doesn’t mean this thing is behind us and that we’re out of the woods yet.”
The state recorded 3,215 new coronavirus infections Tuesday — the most reported in a single day since the onset of the pandemic, and a spike that officials attribute to a lag in reporting over the holiday weekend.
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About 57% of those new cases were reported in Los Angeles County, which has struggled in recent months as the setting for an outsize number of infections and deaths statewide. L.A. County health officials also reached a new daily record Tuesday, reporting 1,852 new cases of COVID-19.
On Wednesday, L.A. County health officials reported 933 new cases of COVID-19, pushing the region’s total number of infections to 48,700. The county also reported 53 new virus-related fatalities, bringing its death toll to 2,195.
The increase in cases comes as large swaths of California begin moving into the third stage of reopening .
As part of this phase, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week that barbershops and hair salons would be allowed to reopen in 47 of California’s 58 counties.
Los Angeles County is one of the 11 counties not yet allowed to move into the third stage of reopening. However, county officials plan to submit a variance application that, if approved by the state, would let more of the economy reopen. Officials have not yet publicly provided all of the data that would be included in the application.
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the decline in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations as well as the county’s rate of infection per 100,000 people signal to her that the region is ready to move ahead with reopening, albeit with regulations.
The county already has begun to allow faith-based services, in-store shopping at low-risk retail stores, drive-in movies and other recreational activities to resume.
“There is a lot at stake as we reopen,” Ferrer said. “More people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19, which is more cases and likely more hospitalizations and deaths. This is why it couldn’t be more important for us to take care of each other when we’re out of our homes.”
Memorial Day weekend provided a major test of the loosened restrictions as summery temperatures sent large swaths of people outdoors, many for the first time in weeks.
While some areas did not report any problems, Pasadena’s Eaton Canyon was closed for the rest of the month because of overcrowding.
At Venice Beach, visitors— many of whom were not wearing face coverings or adhering to social distancing practices — packed the boardwalk. Officials said a failure to follow rules, including the prohibition of sunbathing and other public health violations, has been an ongoing problem.
“This is another big milestone for L.A. County as, step by step, we begin safely reopening our communities and economy,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a prepared statement. “But reopening does not mean going back to business as usual. As long as community members follow safety rules, we can continue to make more progress.”
Times staff writer Colleen Shalby contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-27--L.A. Archdiocese could resume daily Mass, scheduled confessions next week

As California rolls back coronavirus-related restrictions on houses of worship , the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has released guidelines to reopen churches for private prayer and public Mass as early as next week .
Under the guidance released Tuesday , parishes must receive their regional bishop ’ s approval for reopening after meeting safety criteria to prevent crowding and physical contact as much as possible .
“ As we enter this new moment , it is important to remember that the coronavirus is still out there , it is still contagious and it is still dangerous , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to parishes .
“ So , we need to proceed with prudence and caution and concern to protect our most vulnerable parishioners .
Let us continue to pray and stand together with our people as we begin to reopen our churches and our society.
” Churches in the archdiocese — which covers Los Angeles , Ventura and Santa Barbara counties — have been closed since March 24 amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Even with the new guidelines , the earliest Sunday that Masses could resume would be June 7 , officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from any obligation to attend Mass on Sunday because of the continuation of restricted attendance , ” according to the guidelines .
Under new state guidelines released earlier this week , houses of worship must limit total attendance to 25 % of a building ’ s capacity or a maximum of 100 people , whichever is lower .
The L.A. Archdiocese ’ s idea is to open churches gradually , starting with allowing personal private prayer .
To do so , churches would have to be deep cleaned and must provide hand sanitizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimize contact points — such as removing hymnals from pews and keeping holy water containers empty .
Visitors should wear face coverings , according to the archdiocese , and wash and sanitize their hands .
Church employees or volunteers also should be on hand to open doors for visitors , ensure that social distancing is being observed and keep track of how many people are inside to make sure occupancy is within the allowable limits .
The archdiocese ’ s reopening plan would allow priests to resume offering daily Mass and scheduled confessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as June 3 .
Other church activities , such as baptism and confirmation , and religious celebrations for families like weddings , funerals and quinceañeras also could take place at that point .
Churches would need to update their operational plans to reflect additional requirements — such as designating different doors as entrances and exits , replacing choirs with a cantor and accompanist , dismissing people in smaller groups after Mass to maintain social distancing and having priests sanitize their hands before and after giving Communion .

Francisco Lorenzo prays in front of the closed doors of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in downtown Los Angeles on April 21.
As California rolls back coronavirus-related restrictions on houses of worship, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has released guidelines to reopen churches for private prayer and public Mass as early as next week.
Under the guidance released Tuesday, parishes must receive their regional bishop’s approval for reopening after meeting safety criteria to prevent crowding and physical contact as much as possible.
“As we enter this new moment, it is important to remember that the coronavirus is still out there, it is still contagious and it is still dangerous,” Archbishop José H. Gomez wrote in a letter to parishes. “So, we need to proceed with prudence and caution and concern to protect our most vulnerable parishioners. Let us continue to pray and stand together with our people as we begin to reopen our churches and our society.”
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Churches in the archdiocese — which covers Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties — have been closed since March 24 amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Even with the new guidelines, the earliest Sunday that Masses could resume would be June 7, officials said.
“The faithful will remain dispensed from any obligation to attend Mass on Sunday because of the continuation of restricted attendance,” according to the guidelines.
Under new state guidelines released earlier this week, houses of worship must limit total attendance to 25% of a building’s capacity or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower.
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The L.A. Archdiocese’s idea is to open churches gradually, starting with allowing personal private prayer.
To do so, churches would have to be deep cleaned and must provide hand sanitizer for all visitors and take steps to minimize contact points — such as removing hymnals from pews and keeping holy water containers empty.
Visitors should wear face coverings, according to the archdiocese, and wash and sanitize their hands.
Church employees or volunteers also should be on hand to open doors for visitors, ensure that social distancing is being observed and keep track of how many people are inside to make sure occupancy is within the allowable limits.
The archdiocese’s reopening plan would allow priests to resume offering daily Mass and scheduled confessions with strict social distancing guidelines as early as June 3. Other church activities, such as baptism and confirmation, and religious celebrations for families like weddings, funerals and quinceañeras also could take place at that point.
Churches would need to update their operational plans to reflect additional requirements — such as designating different doors as entrances and exits, replacing choirs with a cantor and accompanist, dismissing people in smaller groups after Mass to maintain social distancing and having priests sanitize their hands before and after giving Communion.


latimes--2020-05-27--Battle between Trump and California over car pollution heads to court

California and nearly two dozen other states on Wednesday filed suit against the Trump administration , arguing that its decision to weaken fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks puts the public ’ s health at risk and is based on flawed science .
The lawsuit is the latest step in an escalating battle between the administration and Democratic state attorneys general , who have used the courts to push back against the president ’ s agenda of diluting environmental regulations in order to bolster the economy .
The outcome is likely to be decided by the Supreme Court and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 13 other states that have embraced tougher car pollution standards than those set by the federal government .
Joined by 22 other states , the District of Columbia , Los Angeles and other cities , California ’ s lawsuit says that the new rule from the Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department , dubbed the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient ( SAFE ) Vehicle rule , is unlawful and rests on an error-ridden analysis concocted to justify the administration ’ s desired outcome .
“ The Trump Administration says this rule will save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t be farther from the truth , ” California Atty .
Gen. Xavier Becerra said in a statement .
“ Just read the text of the rule .
The fact is the so-called ‘ SAFE ’ rule is a job-killer and public health hazard.
” The EPA and the Transportation Department declined to comment on the lawsuit , citing a policy of not discussing pending litigation .
According to Becerra ’ s office , this lawsuit is the 82nd filed by California against the Trump administration .
More than half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to dismantle major climate and environmental policies .
Though most of those cases are still making their way through the courts , a Becerra representative said the state had racked up 21 environmental wins , including a number of preliminary injunctions that stopped the administration ’ s actions until a court could rule on them .
Trump ’ s rule replaces the Obama-era mandate that required automakers to increase fuel economy across their fleets by 5 % annually .
Instead , car manufacturers will only have to improve their performance by 1.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to produce cars that reach an average of 54 miles per gallon by 2025 , the bar will be lowered to 40 mpg by 2026 .
One of the beneficiaries of the new rule is the nation ’ s oil industry .
According to the administration ’ s own analysis , American drivers operating less efficient cars are expected to burn an additional 78 billion gallons of fuel , resulting in nearly 900 million more tons of carbon dioxide being released .
These figures have alarmed environmentalists and public health advocates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it is upheld by the courts , will likely contribute to thousands of premature deaths and asthma attacks .
A coalition of nonprofit environmental advocacy groups also filed a legal challenge to the new rule on Wednesday .
“ This rollback will result in billions of tons of additional emissions of the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming , making the already difficult problem of climate change much harder to solve , ” said Ken Kimmell , president of the Union of Concerned Scientists , which joined the lawsuit against the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks detailing objections to the new rule by the agency ’ s own staff , Becerra said the rollback would be more damaging to the climate and public health and costlier to consumers than the existing standards .
“ You hate to use the word ‘ lie ’ with this administration more than necessary because it looks like we ’ re just overusing it , but they are clearly inflating and misrepresenting what their rule does , ” Becerra said .
“ And I can say that pretty matter-of-factly , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are saying that.
” Consumer advocacy groups have also criticized the administration ’ s claims that the new rule will improve the economy and benefit drivers by lowering the cost of new cars .
The government ’ s analysis shows that , while loosening fuel-economy standards could shave about $ 1,000 off the price of a car , drivers would have to buy more gasoline than they would have under the previous rule , negating any cost-savings .
And while the administration has said that the rollback could save automakers as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vehicles built under the rule , its analysis also showed that the change could hurt the industry .
Encouraged to abandon or slow investments in fuel-saving technology , U.S.-based car companies could become less competitive in overseas markets that have stricter emissions standards , resulting in the loss of thousands of American jobs .
The new standards will apply nationwide .
Although California has historically set its own tougher car pollution rules , the Trump administration last year moved to strip the state of that authority .
California and many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean-car standards have sued the administration over this change , and that issue probably won ’ t be resolved until next year .

California and nearly two dozen other states on Wednesday filed suit against the Trump administration, arguing that its decision to weaken fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks puts the public’s health at risk and is based on flawed science.
The lawsuit is the latest step in an escalating battle between the administration and Democratic state attorneys general, who have used the courts to push back against the president’s agenda of diluting environmental regulations in order to bolster the economy.
The outcome is likely to be decided by the Supreme Court and could have serious consequences for California and the 13 other states that have embraced tougher car pollution standards than those set by the federal government.
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Joined by 22 other states, the District of Columbia, Los Angeles and other cities, California’s lawsuit says that the new rule from the Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department, dubbed the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle rule, is unlawful and rests on an error-ridden analysis concocted to justify the administration’s desired outcome.
“The Trump Administration says this rule will save money and save lives, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “Just read the text of the rule. The fact is the so-called ‘SAFE’ rule is a job-killer and public health hazard.”
The EPA and the Transportation Department declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing a policy of not discussing pending litigation.
According to Becerra’s office, this lawsuit is the 82nd filed by California against the Trump administration. More than half of the suits have targeted Trump’s efforts to dismantle major climate and environmental policies. Though most of those cases are still making their way through the courts, a Becerra representative said the state had racked up 21 environmental wins, including a number of preliminary injunctions that stopped the administration’s actions until a court could rule on them.
Trump’s rule replaces the Obama-era mandate that required automakers to increase fuel economy across their fleets by 5% annually. Instead, car manufacturers will only have to improve their performance by 1.5% a year. Rather than being required to produce cars that reach an average of 54 miles per gallon by 2025, the bar will be lowered to 40 mpg by 2026.
One of the beneficiaries of the new rule is the nation’s oil industry. According to the administration’s own analysis, American drivers operating less efficient cars are expected to burn an additional 78 billion gallons of fuel, resulting in nearly 900 million more tons of carbon dioxide being released.
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These figures have alarmed environmentalists and public health advocates, who have said that the change, if it is upheld by the courts, will likely contribute to thousands of premature deaths and asthma attacks. A coalition of nonprofit environmental advocacy groups also filed a legal challenge to the new rule on Wednesday.
“This rollback will result in billions of tons of additional emissions of the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming, making the already difficult problem of climate change much harder to solve,” said Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, which joined the lawsuit against the administration.
Citing internal EPA documents that surfaced in recent weeks detailing objections to the new rule by the agency’s own staff, Becerra said the rollback would be more damaging to the climate and public health and costlier to consumers than the existing standards.
“You hate to use the word ‘lie’ with this administration more than necessary because it looks like we’re just overusing it, but they are clearly inflating and misrepresenting what their rule does,” Becerra said. “And I can say that pretty matter-of-factly, because their own internal experts are the ones that are saying that.”
Consumer advocacy groups have also criticized the administration’s claims that the new rule will improve the economy and benefit drivers by lowering the cost of new cars.
The government’s analysis shows that, while loosening fuel-economy standards could shave about $1,000 off the price of a car, drivers would have to buy more gasoline than they would have under the previous rule, negating any cost-savings.
And while the administration has said that the rollback could save automakers as much as $100 million over the lifetimes of the vehicles built under the rule, its analysis also showed that the change could hurt the industry. Encouraged to abandon or slow investments in fuel-saving technology, U.S.-based car companies could become less competitive in overseas markets that have stricter emissions standards, resulting in the loss of thousands of American jobs.
The new standards will apply nationwide. Although California has historically set its own tougher car pollution rules, the Trump administration last year moved to strip the state of that authority. California and many of the other states that have adopted its clean-car standards have sued the administration over this change, and that issue probably won’t be resolved until next year.