latimes--2020-05-21--Orange County reports highest daily death toll from coronavirus

Orange County recorded 14 new coronavirus-related fatalities Thursday — the most in a single day since the pandemic began — an uptick that officials attribute to outbreaks of the virus in nursing homes .
The rise in deaths comes a day after the county reported 10 fatalities related to COVID-19 .
Of those who have died in the past two days , 18 were residents in skilled nursing facilities , Orange County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick said during a news conference .
“ We ’ ll have to watch that over the coming week to see if this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of days of increase , ” Quick said .
“ We hope it was just that.
” Before Wednesday , the county hadn ’ t reported more than five deaths in a single day .
The county ’ s death toll reached 112 on Thursday .
Deaths among those living in skilled nursing facilities make up about 35 % of the county ’ s overall fatalities .
Hospitalizations in Orange County also reached new heights this week .
On Tuesday , 253 people were hospitalized for issues related to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A day later , that number dropped slightly to 247 .
Currently , 89 people are being treated in intensive care units .
Public health officials Thursday also reported 115 new cases of the virus , bringing the county ’ s total number of infections to 4,841 .
More than 500 of those individuals are living in skilled nursing facilities and 364 are inmates in the county ’ s jail system .
The uptick in deaths and hospitalizations comes as county officials continue sprinting toward reopening more of the region ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to the state asking for approval to move deeper into Phase 2 of California ’ s reopening strategy .
As of Thursday , more than two-thirds of California counties — including San Diego , Kern , San Luis Obispo , Santa Barbara and Ventura — had received clearance to reopen restaurant dining rooms and more retail businesses for in-store shopping with certain modifications .
“ We believe we have met all the criteria , ” Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel said .
“ We submitted a draft plan and are currently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finalize our variance.
” It is not clear when the state will issue its decision .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom foreshadowed a sizable number of requests when he unveiled the state ’ s new reopening criteria this week .
On Monday , he said the revised rules would allow 53 of California ’ s 58 counties to move further into the second of four stages toward reopening .
Under the the ability to reopen more expeditiously was effectively restricted to more rural , less-populated counties that have not seen the same number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urban counterparts .
Here ’ s the breakdown of coronavirus data for Orange County : 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 .

Families practice social distancing while playing in the water and sand near the San Clemente Pier on Monday.
Orange County recorded 14 new coronavirus-related fatalities Thursday — the most in a single day since the pandemic began — an uptick that officials attribute to outbreaks of the virus in nursing homes.
The rise in deaths comes a day after the county reported 10 fatalities related to COVID-19. Of those who have died in the past two days, 18 were residents in skilled nursing facilities, Orange County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick said during a news conference.
“We’ll have to watch that over the coming week to see if this is a trend or if it was just a couple of days of increase,” Quick said. “We hope it was just that.”
Before Wednesday, the county hadn’t reported more than five deaths in a single day. The county’s death toll reached 112 on Thursday. Deaths among those living in skilled nursing facilities make up about 35% of the county’s overall fatalities.
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Hospitalizations in Orange County also reached new heights this week.
On Tuesday, 253 people were hospitalized for issues related to the coronavirus, a new record for the county. A day later, that number dropped slightly to 247. Currently, 89 people are being treated in intensive care units.
Public health officials Thursday also reported 115 new cases of the virus, bringing the county’s total number of infections to 4,841. More than 500 of those individuals are living in skilled nursing facilities and 364 are inmates in the county’s jail system.
The uptick in deaths and hospitalizations comes as county officials continue sprinting toward reopening more of the region’s economy.
County officials have submitted a plan to the state asking for approval to move deeper into Phase 2 of California’s reopening strategy.
As of Thursday, more than two-thirds of California counties — including San Diego, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura — had received clearance to reopen restaurant dining rooms and more retail businesses for in-store shopping with certain modifications.
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“We believe we have met all the criteria,” Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel said. “We submitted a draft plan and are currently in the process off meeting with the state to finalize our variance.”
It is not clear when the state will issue its decision.
Gov. Gavin Newsom foreshadowed a sizable number of requests when he unveiled the state’s new reopening criteria this week. On Monday, he said the revised rules would allow 53 of California’s 58 counties to move further into the second of four stages toward reopening.
Under the state’s earlier criteria, the ability to reopen more expeditiously was effectively restricted to more rural, less-populated counties that have not seen the same number of coronavirus infections and deaths as their urban counterparts.
Here’s the breakdown of coronavirus data for Orange County:
Age breakdown of cases
0-17 — 155
18-24 — 482
25-34 — 871
35-44 — 707
45-54 — 859
55-64 — 762
65-74 — 460
75-84 — 318
85+ — 226
Age breakdown of deaths
25-34 — 2
35-44 — 4
45-54 — 11
55-64 — 15
65-74 — 19
75-84 — 31
85+ — 30
Cases by community
Aliso Viejo — 26
Anaheim — 758
Brea — 32
Buena Park — 146
Costa Mesa — 82
Coto de Caza — 6
Cypress — 61
Dana Point — 26
Fountain Valley — 50
Fullerton — 164
Garden Grove — 246
Huntington Beach — 307
Irvine — 164
La Habra — 83
La Palma — 18
Ladera Ranch — 13
Laguna Beach — 44
Laguna Hills — 27
Laguna Niguel — 36
Laguna Woods — 8
Lake Forest — 39
Los Alamitos — 63
Midway City — 12
Mission Viejo — 64
Newport Beach — 135
Orange — 226
Placentia — 95
Rancho Mission Viejo — 7
Rancho Santa Margarita — 19
San Clemente — 58
San Juan Capistrano — 46
Santa Ana — 858
Seal Beach — 15
Stanton — 51
Trabuco Canyon — 12
Tustin — 78
Villa Park — 6
Westminster — 85
Yorba Linda — 71
Other — 364
Unknown — 240
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--2020-05-21--Proposed budget cuts threaten safe opening of California schools, leaders say

State education leaders on Thursday said proposed budget cuts to education would threaten their ability to reopen safely next fall and that confronting the COVID-19 pandemic calls for more nurses , counselors , custodians and teachers .
The forum for these warnings was a video conference hosted by state Supt .
of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond .
Also taking part in the event was Gil F. Chavez , a senior state health official , who said that the manner and timing of reopening for individual school systems would depend on local county health officials .
The live broadcast drew more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signaling broad interest and concern over cuts to education funding that work out to about 10 % .
Although Thurmond remains a solid political ally of Gov .
Gavin Newsom , he nonetheless allowed the education establishment to take critical aim at the governor ’ s proposed budget , which was released a week ago .
“ I ’ m finding it very difficult to figure out how we ’ re going to maintain the safety levels that we need to have , ” said Ben Valdepeña , president of California School Employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school support staff .
“ I really don ’ t know if the two custodians that work at the school where I work would be able to keep up with the demand of constantly sanitizing the school , ” said Valdepeña , a Yucaipa-area school custodian with 38 years of experience .
He also stressed the need for clear guidance : “ I don ’ t know what it takes to open up a school in this era of COVID-19.
” The state health department and the education department are working on guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in weeks or possibly days and also could roll out gradually .
Chavez , deputy director of the state Center for Infectious Diseases , indicated that instructions are likely to include recommendations for wearing masks , practicing social distancing in classrooms , limiting the social and academic mixing of students and providing health screenings for students and employees .
He acknowledged the difficulty of requiring young children and disabled students to wear masks .
“ We ’ re sensitive to the notion that you can ’ t require 100 % of everybody to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Campuses shut down statewide in March ; the last day of on-campus instruction in L.A. Unified , the state ’ s largest school system , was March 13 .
Leaders of the state ’ s 1,000 school districts generally have appreciated Thurmond ’ s supportive tone , but the substance of Thursday ’ s message was less encouraging .
The most unwelcome note , pertaining to funding , was no surprise .
As matters stand , most school systems in the state can look forward to less money for the approaching school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plummeting state tax revenue due to the pandemic-related economic shutdown .
“ We know that this is hard and we know that the financial implications have made this even more difficult , ” Thurmond said .
He added : “ We hear you loud and clear .
... We agree with you that we can not ask schools to do more with less.
” In California , about 90 % of education funding is from the state , with about 10 % from the federal government .
Although the state budget contains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can fluctuate with the health of the economy , which affects how much tax revenue the state collects .
The federal share helps pay for added academic help for the poor as well as partial funding for the extra costs of serving students with disabilities .
The cuts to education could have been considerably worse ; Newsom allotted discretionary funds to education that also were sorely needed in other areas .
Thurmond suggested that he supports efforts to get a better deal from the governor and state Legislature , which must approve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thurmond puts hope and responsibility for a full education bailout on the federal government .
For now , a bill passed by Democrats in the House of Representatives has not won support from the Republican-controlled Senate and the Trump administration .
Negotiations between the various parties are anticipated .
Thursday ’ s event was itself something of a public negotiation .
Union leaders made their pitch for more funding in part because their members could face layoffs under the current budget proposal .
“ This isn ’ t the time right now to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Erika Jones , an elementary teacher in Los Angeles who serves on the board of the California Teachers Assn .
As things stand , schools already lack full-time nurses and other needed supports , she said .
“ This is actually the time for a major investment in our students where our students become the priority of this state.
” Although some district leaders have warned they may not be able to reopen in the fall without more money , few are taking those threats seriously so far .
Almost uniformly , district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasize needs they see as a top priority for limited state funding .
They ’ ve had to confront the enormous , unexpected , instantaneous challenge of shutting down campuses , creating universal distance learning , developing expanded online summer school and contemplating a new normal for the fall .
Their torch was carried at Thursday ’ s video conference by Cindy Marten , superintendent of San Diego Unified , the state ’ s second-largest school system .
“ We still have students who are trying to do their schoolwork and they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment or at the same kitchen table there with their parents , ” Marten said .
“ Distance learning doesn ’ t work for all students .
It just doesn ’ t. ” She added : “ Right now the current budget plan is a recipe for more distance and less learning.
” Since campuses closed , educators have scrambled to provide distance learning for students , trying to provide computers and internet access to an estimated 1 in 5 students who don ’ t have it .
Marten also included a pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want to open for families every day because that ’ s the only way our parents can get back to work , ” she said .
Most public school districts in California are tentatively planning to reopen campuses on their regular start dates in August and September .
A few operate on a calendar with a July opening .
Last month , Newsom suggested that many California school systems could physically open as early as July , although few district leaders greeted that comment with enthusiasm .
In a joint letter Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about potential reopening requirements .
They raised objections to the feasibility of constant social distancing , all-day mask wearing and sweeping quarantine requirements .
One of the superintendents , Alex Cherniss of Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified , said he worries that the guidelines likely to emerge could be based on business models that would be a poor fit for schools , including the idea that small children would wear face coverings for up to eight hours in school per day .
And a 14-day quarantine requirement for entire classes , based on one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would wreak havoc , he said , on attempts to maintain a consistent academic program .

State schools Supt. Tony Thurmond, shown here in a file photo, warned education leaders Thursday that current funding for reopening schools could prove inadequate.
State education leaders on Thursday said proposed budget cuts to education would threaten their ability to reopen safely next fall and that confronting the COVID-19 pandemic calls for more nurses, counselors, custodians and teachers.
The forum for these warnings was a video conference hosted by state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Also taking part in the event was Gil F. Chavez, a senior state health official, who said that the manner and timing of reopening for individual school systems would depend on local county health officials.
The live broadcast drew more than 13,500 viewers on Facebook alone, signaling broad interest and concern over cuts to education funding that work out to about 10%. Although Thurmond remains a solid political ally of Gov. Gavin Newsom, he nonetheless allowed the education establishment to take critical aim at the governor’s proposed budget, which was released a week ago.
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“I’m finding it very difficult to figure out how we’re going to maintain the safety levels that we need to have,” said Ben Valdepeña, president of California School Employees Assn., which represents more than 250,000 school support staff.
“I really don’t know if the two custodians that work at the school where I work would be able to keep up with the demand of constantly sanitizing the school,” said Valdepeña, a Yucaipa-area school custodian with 38 years of experience.
He also stressed the need for clear guidance: “I don’t know what it takes to open up a school in this era of COVID-19.”
The state health department and the education department are working on guidelines, which Thurmond said would be available in weeks or possibly days and also could roll out gradually. Chavez, deputy director for the California Department of Public Health,
indicated that instructions are likely to include recommendations for wearing masks, practicing social distancing in classrooms, limiting the social and academic mixing of students and providing health screenings for students and employees.
He acknowledged the difficulty of requiring young children and disabled students to wear masks.
“We’re sensitive to the notion that you can’t require 100% of everybody to wear a mask,” he said.
Campuses shut down statewide in March; the last day of on-campus instruction in L.A. Unified, the state’s largest school system, was March 13.
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Leaders of the state’s 1,000 school districts generally have appreciated Thurmond’s supportive tone, but the substance of Thursday’s message was less encouraging. The most unwelcome note, pertaining to funding, was no surprise. As matters stand, most school systems in the state can look forward to less money for the approaching school year, Thurmond said, a result of plummeting state tax revenue due to the pandemic-related economic shutdown.
“We know that this is hard and we know that the financial implications have made this even more difficult,” Thurmond said.
He added: “We hear you loud and clear. ... We agree with you that we cannot ask schools to do more with less.”
In California, about 90% of education funding is from the state, with about 10% from the federal government. Although the state budget contains funding “guarantees” for schools, they can fluctuate with the health of the economy, which affects how much tax revenue the state collects. The federal share helps pay for added academic help for the poor as well as partial funding for the extra costs of serving students with disabilities.
The cuts to education could have been considerably worse; Newsom allotted discretionary funds to education that also were sorely needed in other areas.
Thurmond suggested that he supports efforts to get a better deal from the governor and state Legislature, which must approve the final budget.
Like Newsom, Thurmond puts hope and responsibility for a full education bailout on the federal government. For now, a bill passed by Democrats in the House of Representatives has not won support from the Republican-controlled Senate and the Trump administration.
Negotiations between the various parties are anticipated.
Thursday’s event was itself something of a public negotiation. Union leaders made their pitch for more funding in part because their members could face layoffs under the current budget proposal.
“This isn’t the time right now to even think about layoffs,” said Erika Jones, an elementary teacher in Los Angeles who serves on the board of the California Teachers Assn. As things stand, schools already lack full-time nurses and other needed supports, she said. “This is actually the time for a major investment in our students where our students become the priority of this state.”
Although some district leaders have warned they may not be able to reopen in the fall without more money, few are taking those threats seriously so far. Almost uniformly, district leaders are painting a dire picture to emphasize needs they see as a top priority for limited state funding. They’ve had to confront the enormous, unexpected, instantaneous challenge of shutting down campuses, creating universal distance learning, developing expanded online summer school and contemplating a new normal for the fall.
Their torch was carried at Thursday’s video conference by Cindy Marten, superintendent of San Diego Unified, the state’s second-largest school system.
“We still have students who are trying to do their schoolwork and they’re in the corner of a crowded apartment or at the same kitchen table there with their parents,” Marten said. “Distance learning doesn’t work for all students. It just doesn’t.”
She added: “Right now the current budget plan is a recipe for more distance and less learning.”
Since campuses closed, educators have scrambled to provide distance learning for students, trying to provide computers and internet access to an estimated 1 in 5 students who don’t have it.
Marten also included a pitch based on the economic recovery.
“We want to open for families every day because that’s the only way our parents can get back to work,” she said.
Most public school districts in California are tentatively planning to reopen campuses on their regular start dates in August and September. A few operate on a calendar with a July opening.
Last month, Newsom suggested that many California school systems could physically open as early as July, although few district leaders greeted that comment with enthusiasm.
In a joint letter Thursday, 11 L.A. County superintendents expressed concerns about potential reopening requirements. They raised objections to the feasibility of constant social distancing, all-day mask wearing and sweeping quarantine requirements.
One of the superintendents, Alex Cherniss of Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified, said he worries that the guidelines likely to emerge could be based on business models that would be a poor fit for schools, including the idea that small children would wear face coverings for up to eight hours in school per day. And a 14-day quarantine requirement for entire classes, based on one person being exposed to the virus, would wreak havoc, he said, on attempts to maintain a consistent academic program.


latimes--2020-05-21--UC makes landmark decision to drop ACT and SAT requirement for admission

In a decision that could reshape the nation ’ s college admissions process , University of California regents voted Thursday to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements through 2024 and eliminate them for California students by 2025 .
The action by the nation ’ s premier public university system could mark a turning point in the long-running debate over whether the standardized tests unfairly discriminate against disadvantaged students or provide a useful tool to evaluate college applicants .
Some hailed the vote as a bold and visionary move to expand access and equity .
But others expressed concern that dumping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , admission of less-prepared students and backlash over different entry standards for different classes .
“ It ’ s an incredible step in the right direction , ” said John A. Pérez , chair of the UC Board of Regents .
Lt. Gov .
Eleni Kounalakis , an ex officio regent , called the vote “ the beginning of the end ” for the SAT .
“ We really are the first body to tackle this head-on and say enough is enough.
” After conflicting presentations by experts and lengthy debate , regents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-year plan to ease out the SAT and ACT tests and develop the university system ’ s own assessment .
Under the plan , standardized test results will be optional on applications for the next two years and then eliminated for California students in years three and four .
By fall 2025 , the UC system is aiming to have its own assessment .
If none is developed by then , the university will drop the SAT and ACT tests entirely for California students and evaluate them using high school grades and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
Applicants from other states and countries could continue to use those tests , or possibly a new UC assessment .
Some regents suggested that the UC system make the tests optional for a few years then pause to study the effects on students rather than approve a five-year plan .
Regent William Um called for a vote to immediately eliminate or keep the tests .
But Napolitano told regents that her plan would serve as a bridge to a new test or no test .
“ We need to move in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new future , ” she said .
Though it is unclear whether other universities will follow UC ’ s action , the university ’ s size and status have long made it a central player in the standardized testing landscape .
The 10-campus system is the largest single university source of customers for the College Board , which owns the test .
Four-fifths of freshman UC applicants — who numbered 172,000 last year — take the SAT .
The six universities that receive the most applications in the nation are UC campuses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Berkeley , Santa Barbara and Davis .
UC ’ s decision to require the SAT half a century ago catapulted the test to a place of national prominence , and its threat to drop it in the early 1990s prompted the College Board to revise the test .
Throughout the years , arguments over the value of the tests have intensified .
Critics say the SAT and ACT are heavily influenced by race , income and parental education levels ; question the exams ’ value in predicting college success ; and express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those concerns have prompted more than 1,000 colleges and universities to drop the testing requirement .
A lawsuit against the UC system also calls for the requirement to be dropped .
But the College Board and ACT strongly assert that their tests are not biased and that they reflect existing inequities in access to quality education .
They also say that standardized tests offer a uniform and helpful yardstick for use , in tandem with grades , in assessing students in high schools across the country .
Marten Roorda , ACT chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week that suspending the test requirement would exacerbate student anxieties , strain admissions offices and squeeze state and school budgets .
Several regents praised Napolitano for striking a compromise between the factions .
“ She did an excellent job threading the needle , ” said Vice Chair Cecilia Estolano .
Napolitano also sought to win the support of the powerful UC Academic Senate , which sets admission standards .
This year , a Senate task force recommended that the university system keep the SAT and ACT for now while researching alternatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembly , made up of faculty leaders and campus representatives , on a 51-0 vote , with one abstention .
In what its own researchers called surprising findings , the Academic Senate ’ s review found that the SAT helps disadvantaged students gain entry to the selective UC system .
That ’ s because the way UC uses standardized test scores substantially corrects for bias by weighting them less heavily than grades and considering them as only one of many factors in the review process .
Campuses adjust for socioeconomic differences and admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more advantaged peers .
Other researchers , however , have criticized the task force ’ s findings as erroneous and ill-founded in rejecting proposals to replace the SAT and ACT with a K-12 assessment known as Smarter Balanced .
Faculty leaders were concerned that UC administration would reject the task force report and usurp their authority in the fierce politics of the testing debate .
Senate Chair Kum-Kum Bhavnani said faculty were pleased that Napolitano ’ s plan reflected the “ spirit ” of their recommendations , which ultimately called for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but would have concerns if all testing was completely eliminated .
UC experts will launch a feasibility study this summer to identify a new test that assesses what the university expects students to master to demonstrate readiness for college .
Meanwhile , campus officials will be left with the task of figuring out how to apply the shifting admission requirements and evaluate tens of thousands of applicants without test scores .
That task may be more difficult for the Santa Barbara , Riverside and Merced campuses , which apply fixed weights to @ @ @

The University of California will suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements for admission through 2024 and eliminate them for California students by 2025.
In a decision that could reshape the nation’s college admissions process, University of California regents unanimously voted Thursday to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements through 2024 and eliminate them for California students by 2025.
The action by the nation’s premier public university system could mark a turning point in the long-running debate over whether the standardized tests unfairly discriminate against disadvantaged students or provide a useful tool to evaluate college applicants.
Some hailed the vote as a bold and visionary move to expand access and equity. But others expressed concern that dumping the tests would lead to grade inflation, admission of less-prepared students and backlash over different entry standards for different classes.
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“It’s an incredible step in the right direction,” said John A. Pérez, chair of the UC Board of Regents.
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, an ex officio regent, called the vote “the beginning of the end” for the SAT. “We really are the first body to tackle this head-on and say enough is enough.”
After conflicting presentations by experts and lengthy debate, regents approved UC President Janet Napolitano’s five-year plan to ease out the SAT and ACT tests and develop the university system’s own assessment.
Under the plan, standardized test results will be optional on applications for the next two years and then eliminated for California students in Years 3 and 4. By fall 2025, the UC system is aiming to have its own assessment. If none is developed by then, the university will drop the SAT and ACT tests entirely for California students and evaluate them using high school grades and a dozen other factors in its comprehensive review system.
Applicants from other states and countries could continue to use those tests, or possibly a new UC assessment.
UC has already suspended the SAT and ACT testing requirement for fall 2021 due to test cancellations triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The debate featured divergent views among regents, researchers and campus officials. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ and Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, UCLA vice provost for enrollment management, criticized the tests as barriers to less-advantaged students.
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But UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox said his campus — the most diverse in the UC system after Merced — has prospered using the current admissions process, winning top rankings for helping low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students succeed.
Some regents suggested that the UC system make the tests optional for a few years then pause to study the effects on students rather than approve a five-year plan. Regent William Um called for a vote to immediately eliminate or keep the tests rather than “kick the can down the road.”
But Napolitano told regents that her plan would serve as a bridge to a new test or no test. “We need to move in a careful and studied way to a new future,” she said.
Though it is unclear whether other universities will follow UC’s action, the university’s size and status have long made it a central player in the standardized testing landscape. The 10-campus system is the largest single university source of customers for the College Board, which owns the test.
Four-fifths of freshman UC applicants — who numbered 172,000 last year — take the SAT. The six universities that receive the most applications in the nation are UC campuses in Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine, Berkeley, Santa Barbara and Davis.
UC’s decision to require the SAT half a century ago catapulted the test to a place of national prominence, and its threat to drop it in the early 1990s prompted the College Board to revise the test.
Throughout the years, arguments over the value of the tests have intensified.
Critics say the SAT and ACT are heavily influenced by race, income and parental education levels; question the exams’ value in predicting college success; and express concern about inequitable access to test prep. Those concerns have prompted more than 1,000 colleges and universities to drop the testing requirement. A lawsuit against the UC system also calls for the requirement to be dropped.
But the College Board and ACT strongly assert that their tests are not biased and that they reflect existing inequities in access to quality education. They also say that standardized tests offer a uniform and helpful yardstick for use, in tandem with grades, in assessing students in high schools across the country.
The College Board said that the UC action will compel many California students to take multiple tests to graduate from high school and apply to college —the future UC exam, the SAT and or the ACT, and the state’s K-12 assessment, known as Smarter Balanced. That will likely limit their options for college, the board said in a statement.
“Regardless of what happens with such policies, our mission remains the same: to give all students, and especially low-income and first generation students, opportunities to show their strength,” the testing nonprofit said. “We must also address the disparities in coursework and classrooms that the evidence shows most drive inequity in California.”
Marten Roorda, ACT chief executive, told regents in a letter this week that suspending the test requirement would exacerbate student anxieties, strain admissions offices and squeeze state and school budgets.
Several regents praised Napolitano for striking a compromise between the factions.
“She did an excellent job threading the needle,” said Vice Chair Cecilia Estolano, who called the SAT a “racist test.”
But some members of the powerful UC Academic Senate, which sets admission standards, said they were disheartened by what they saw as disregard of their research report on standardized testing, which Napolitano requested in 2018.
In what researchers called surprising findings, the Academic Senate’s review found that the SAT helps disadvantaged students gain entry to the selective UC system. That’s because the way UC uses standardized test scores substantially corrects for bias by weighting them less heavily than grades and considering them as only one of many factors in the review process. Campuses adjust for socioeconomic differences and admit disadvantaged students with lower test scores compared with more advantaged peers.
The task force recommended that the university system keep the SAT and ACT for now while researching alternatives, such as going test-optional or developing UC’s own assessment. That report was backed by the Senate assembly, made up of faculty leaders and campus representatives, on a 51-0 vote, with one abstention.
Other researchers, however, have criticized the task force’s findings as erroneous and ill-founded in rejecting proposals to replace the SAT and ACT with the K-12 assessment.
Eddie Comeaux, a UC Riverside professor who heads the Senate’s committee on admission standards and co-chaired the testing task force, said politics and public perceptions more than data appeared to drive the decision to a preordained conclusion.
But, he said, “The ship has sailed. Now UC needs to figure out how to advance equity without tests.”
Campus officials will be left with the task of figuring out how to apply the shifting admission requirements and evaluate tens of thousands of applicants without test scores.
Comeaux said those adjustments will be easier for six of nine undergraduate campuses that consider test scores as one of a dozen factors with no fixed weight assigned to any one of them. But it will take “heavy lifting,” he said, to make the transition at Santa Barbara, Riverside and Merced, which use fixed weights for test scores. All application readers will need training on how to avoid implicit bias against applicants who don’t submit scores, he added.
UC experts will launch a feasibility study this summer to identify a new test that assesses what the university expects students to master to demonstrate readiness for college.


latimes--2020-05-21--California lawmakers say state unemployment help still isn't coming fast enough amid coronavirus

State lawmakers rebuked the state ’ s Employment Development Department on Thursday , charging that it has failed to address public outcry over delays in answering calls and processing unemployment benefit claims from Californians thrown out of work by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Legislators grilled EDD Director Sharon Hilliard at a budget subcommittee hearing on the agency ’ s handling of an unprecedented 5.1 million claims for unemployment insurance benefits , voicing frustration that many Californians have not been able to get help in a timely way .
“ We have never heard the kind of suffering that people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiu ( D-San Francisco ) told Hilliard .
“ When they call your bureaucracy , the feedback we are getting is atrocious , and I believe we can do better.
” Assemblyman Tom Lackey ( R-Palmdale ) said his constituents complain that when they call the EDD for help with claims , they often get a recorded message or the state phone system hangs up on them .
“ The desperation , the frustration is extreme , ” Lackey told Hilliard .
“ Even with some of the live calls [ answered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is really unacceptable.
” Other unemployed Californians have complained that their attempts to file applications at the EDD ’ s online portal were greeted with error messages , frozen screens and other glitches .
“ We are two months in from the start of this pandemic , and still too many Californians can ’ t even reach EDD or have yet to receive unemployment benefits , ” Assemblyman Todd Gloria ( D-San Diego ) said .
Hilliard said a lack of staff and the agency ’ s antiquated computer system have hampered efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from jobless people and process their claims .
She said the agency is weeks away from additional improvements , including an expansion of a phone line that currently helps people with claims from 8 a.m. to noon every day .
The agency has transferred 1,300 employees to work at the EDD ’ s call centers , and another 600 are expected to be added in the next two weeks .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom has also proposed more money for staffing in the fiscal year starting July 1 .
“ We believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next fiscal year that we will have plenty of budget in order to continue to quickly ramp up our services both in the call center , as well as with processing , ” Hilliard told the legislators .
The state opened a second call center that operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. but lawmakers said representatives can handle only technical issues , such as changing passwords , and are unable to help callers resolve problems with specific claims .
Hilliard said some callers to the second call center can get claims assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of merging the two call centers so people can get help with claims 12 hours a day .
The agency was in the process of modernizing its computer system when the pandemic hit and hopes to award a major contract in the fall to do much of the work , Hilliard said .
“ We have a very inflexible system .
It ’ s very challenging , ” Hilliard said .
But Chiu complained that the modernization of EDD ’ s 30-year-old computer system began four years ago and is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said is too long and will likely make it obsolete by the time it is finished .
“ The idea that a modernization project is going to take 11 years is completely unacceptable , ” Chiu said .

State lawmakers rebuked the state’s Employment Development Department on Thursday, charging that it has failed to address public outcry over delays in answering calls and processing unemployment benefit claims from Californians thrown out of work by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legislators grilled EDD Director Sharon Hilliard at a budget subcommittee hearing on the agency’s handling of an unprecedented 5.1 million claims for unemployment insurance benefits, voicing frustration that many Californians have not been able to get help in a timely way.
“We have never heard the kind of suffering that people are experiencing right now,” Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) told Hilliard. “When they call your bureaucracy, the feedback we are getting is atrocious, and I believe we can do better.”
Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) said his constituents complain that when they call the EDD for help with claims, they often get a recorded message or the state phone system hangs up on them.
“The desperation, the frustration is extreme,” Lackey told Hilliard. “Even with some of the live calls [answered by representatives] we get hangups. That is really unacceptable.”
Other unemployed Californians have complained that their attempts to file applications at the EDD’s online portal were greeted with error messages, frozen screens and other glitches.
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“We are two months in from the start of this pandemic, and still too many Californians can’t even reach EDD or have yet to receive unemployment benefits,” Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) said.
Hilliard said a lack of staff and the agency’s antiquated computer system have hampered efforts to answer a flood of phone calls from jobless people and process their claims. She said the agency is weeks away from additional improvements, including an expansion of a phone line that currently helps people with claims from 8 a.m. to noon every day.
The agency has transferred 1,300 employees to work at the EDD’s call centers, and another 600 are expected to be added in the next two weeks. Gov. Gavin Newsom has also proposed more money for staffing in the fiscal year starting July 1.
“We believe that with the additional funding that is coming next fiscal year that we will have plenty of budget in order to continue to quickly ramp up our services both in the call center, as well as with processing,” Hilliard told the legislators.
The state opened a second call center that operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. but lawmakers said representatives can handle only technical issues, such as changing passwords, and are unable to help callers resolve problems with specific claims.
Hilliard said some callers to the second call center can get claims assistance and noted her agency is looking at the possibility of merging the two call centers so people can get help with claims 12 hours a day.
The agency was in the process of modernizing its computer system when the pandemic hit and hopes to award a major contract in the fall to do much of the work, Hilliard said.
“We have a very inflexible system. It’s very challenging,” Hilliard said.
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But Chiu complained that the modernization of EDD’s 30-year-old computer system began four years ago and is expected to take seven more years, which he said is too long and will likely make it obsolete by the time it is finished.
“The idea that a modernization project is going to take 11 years is completely unacceptable,” Chiu said.


latimes--2020-05-21--Yosemite may reopen in June, with half the number of visitors, ticketed entry

Yosemite National Park hopes to reopen in early June and limit the number of visitors by half to allow for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic .
Lodgings and some campgrounds would reopen , and day visitors would be required to buy entry tickets in advance of their trips , according to a draft reopening plan presented Tuesday .
The plan weighs how to protect health of the public and Yosemite workers , sustain access to the popular park and help reopen the local economy .
It has not yet received federal approval or permission from Gov .
Gavin Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reopening plan .
“ We ’ re hopeful we can get the park open in a smart enough way that we can keep the park open and not have to go through a seesaw of opening and closing , ” Acting Superintendent Cicely Muldoun said during an online presentation to the Yosemite Gateway Partners , a regional group that includes government agencies , nonprofit organizations , Native American tribes , individuals and businesses .
Noting that the majority of visitors come to Yosemite Valley , officials emphasized the need for “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at areas that could become overcrowded , such as Tunnel View , Bridal Veil Fall , Lower Yosemite Fall , Yosemite Village , Curry Village , Glacier Point , Wawona , Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and park entrances .
— requiring day visitors to make reservations to enter the park at recreation.gov .
Overnight visitors and those driving through the park on the east-west Tioga Road would be exempt .
—encouraging visitors to pay $ 35 entrance fees in advance to avoid contact with park personnel .
However , staff members would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fees .
—limiting the number of vehicles entering the park to 3,600 per day , about half the number the park received last June .
An additional 1,900 vehicles would be allowed in for overnight visitors .
—reopening the Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge at full capacity ; and Curry Village , which offers cabins , tent cabins and standard rooms , at half capacity .
Lodging reservations have been canceled through May 28 .
—reopening Lower Pines and North Pines campgrounds , which together have 141 sites , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meadows and Hetch Hetchy .
—suspending shuttle service in Yosemite Valley .
However , YARTS regional buses that bring visitors into the park would operate , possibly with in increased number of stops , but that isn ’ t viewed as a substitute for the shuttle .
— modifying food services to keep visitors at a distance , and reopening retail and grocery stores , bicycle and raft rentals , gas stations and the Ansel Adams Gallery .
—reopening Half Dome cables for hikers by June 5 .
Permits through June 4 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled .
Permits for future dates would be honored , but the annual 48-hour lottery would not resume .
—creating one-way trails and posting signs to remind visitors about social distancing on trails and urge them to wear face coverings .
Yosemite has been closed since March 20 .

Yosemite Falls, as photographed on April 11. The park has been closed since March 20 and this week outlined a draft plan for reopening.
Yosemite National Park hopes to reopen in early June and limit the number of visitors by half to allow for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Lodgings and some campgrounds would reopen, and day visitors would be required to buy entry tickets in advance of their trips, according to a draft reopening plan presented Tuesday.
The plan weighs how to protect health of the public and Yosemite workers, sustain access to the popular park and help reopen the local economy. It has not yet received federal approval or permission from Gov. Gavin Newsom to enter Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan.
“We’re hopeful we can get the park open in a smart enough way that we can keep the park open and not have to go through a seesaw of opening and closing,” Acting Superintendent Cicely Muldoun said during an online presentation to the Yosemite Gateway Partners, a regional group that includes government agencies, nonprofit organizations, Native American tribes, individuals and businesses.
Noting that the majority of visitors come to Yosemite Valley, officials emphasized the need for “flexibility” to close or modify rules at areas that could become overcrowded, such as Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Yosemite Village, Curry Village, Glacier Point, Wawona, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and park entrances.
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Highlights of the draft plan include:
— requiring day visitors to make reservations to enter the park at recreation.gov. Overnight visitors and those driving through the park on the east-west Tioga Road would be exempt.
—encouraging visitors to pay $35 entrance fees in advance to avoid contact with park personnel. However, staff members would be on hand at kiosks to accept fees.
—limiting the number of vehicles entering the park to 3,600 per day, about half the number the park received last June. An additional 1,900 vehicles would be allowed in for overnight visitors.
—reopening the Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge at full capacity; and Curry Village, which offers cabins, tent cabins and standard rooms, at half capacity. Lodging reservations have been canceled through May 28.
—reopening Lower Pines and North Pines campgrounds, which together have 141 sites, as well as back-country campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy.
—suspending shuttle service in Yosemite Valley. However, YARTS regional buses that bring visitors into the park would operate, possibly with in increased number of stops, but that isn’t viewed as a substitute for the shuttle.
— modifying food services to keep visitors at a distance, and reopening retail and grocery stores, bicycle and raft rentals, gas stations and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
—keeping Yosemite Valley public restrooms cleaned twice a day.
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—reopening Half Dome cables for hikers by June 5. Permits through June 4 for the famously difficult hiking route have been canceled. Permits for future dates would be honored, but the annual 48-hour lottery would not resume.
—creating one-way trails and posting signs to remind visitors about social distancing on trails and urge them to wear face coverings.
Yosemite has been closed since March 20.


latimes--2020-05-21--8 arrested during protest over coronavirus restrictions in San Clemente

Eight people were arrested on suspicion of unlawful activity , including trespassing and other crimes , during a protest over coronavirus restrictions in San Clemente on Thursday morning , police said .
About 200 protesters converged near the pier at Orange County ’ s southernmost beach city to demand that stay-at-home rules in California be lifted and that city officials remove fencing enclosing a beach parking lot .
The fence , which was constructed to keep beachgoers from using the city lot , has stirred controversy in recent weeks , with some residents and officials saying it has become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities by Sacramento .
Orange County sheriff ’ s deputies arrested several people after authorities said some tried to remove the fence themselves .
They then made additional arrests after deputies declared an unlawful assembly and some individuals refused to leave the area despite multiple commands , said department spokesman Carrie Braun .
The names of those arrested were not immediately released .
Video from the scene showed deputies following a man as he began unscrewing bolts connecting the fencing .
Deputies told him to stop ; when he refused , he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him chanted , “ Let him go , let him go.
” The San Clemente City Council on Tuesday discussed reopening beach parking lots , which would have meant the fence would be removed .
But in a split vote , city leaders decided to keep the closures in place .
In response , Alan Hostetter , a resident who helped organize Thursday ’ s rally , posted a message on Facebook on Wednesday evening calling for protesters to bring their signs , flags and tool kits with socket wrenches , crescent wrenches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our City Council is currently paralyzed with hatred , ” he wrote .
“ Due to this paralysis , We the People will take it from here.
” Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ferguson said the fence was erected by city staff without council approval and can be taken down without a vote .
“ This could all have been avoided today if the city manager would have taken it down , ” Ferguson said .
“ He had the power to do that , and he didn ’ t do it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has escalated a situation when he had every opportunity to avoid it.
” Councilman Gene James also questioned the need for the fence and has urged City Manager Robert Dunek to take it down .
James wrote in an email to Dunek on Thursday that the fence should be removed before the protest , adding that the optics of the situation are terrible for the city .
“ In my view there is no clear purpose for a fence that one can walk to the end and walk through , ” James wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and agree to bring down the fence today .
We will all win .
”

An aerial view of the San Clemente Pier, which was closed to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Eight people were arrested on suspicion of unlawful activity, including trespassing and other crimes, during a protest over coronavirus restrictions in San Clemente on Thursday morning, police said.
About 200 protesters converged near the pier at Orange County’s southernmost beach city to demand that stay-at-home rules in California be lifted and that city officials remove fencing enclosing a beach parking lot.
The fence, which was constructed to keep beachgoers from using the city lot, has stirred controversy in recent weeks, with some residents and officials saying it has become a symbol of the restrictions placed on local communities by Sacramento.
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Orange County sheriff’s deputies arrested several people after authorities said some tried to remove the fence themselves. They then made additional arrests after deputies declared an unlawful assembly and some individuals refused to leave the area despite multiple commands, said department spokesman Carrie Braun.
The names of those arrested were not immediately released.
Video from the scene showed deputies following a man as he began unscrewing bolts connecting the fencing. Deputies told him to stop; when he refused, he was taken into custody. The crowd surrounding him chanted, “Let him go, let him go.”
The San Clemente City Council on Tuesday discussed reopening beach parking lots, which would have meant the fence would be removed. But in a split vote, city leaders decided to keep the closures in place.
In response, Alan Hostetter, a resident who helped organize Thursday’s rally, posted a message on Facebook on Wednesday evening calling for protesters to bring their signs, flags and tool kits with socket wrenches, crescent wrenches and Allen wrenches to the pier.
“Our City Council is currently paralyzed with hatred,” he wrote. “Due to this paralysis, We the People will take it from here.”
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Mayor Pro Tem Laura Ferguson said the fence was erected by city staff without council approval and can be taken down without a vote.
“This could all have been avoided today if the city manager would have taken it down,” Ferguson said. “He had the power to do that, and he didn’t do it. It really lacks critical thinking. He has escalated a situation when he had every opportunity to avoid it.”
Which California counties are reopening? To contain the spread of COVID-19, parks, restaurants and stores are slowly reopening.
Councilman Gene James also questioned the need for the fence and has urged City Manager Robert Dunek to take it down.
James wrote in an email to Dunek on Thursday that the fence should be removed before the protest, adding that the optics of the situation are terrible for the city.
“In my view there is no clear purpose for a fence that one can walk to the end and walk through,” James wrote. “Please let’s reach out and agree to bring down the fence today. We will all win.”
Times staff writer Leila Miller contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-21--Hollywood Hills land sale makes Griffith Park a bit bigger

Griffith Park just got a little bit bigger .
All it took was a canceled deal due to the coronavirus and a community fundraiser that raised $ 500,000 .
Last year , a rare real estate opportunity presented itself on the outskirts of L.A. ’ s largest park .
Two empty lots , combining for 1.35 acres nestled against Griffith ’ s southern border , came to market for a combined $ 850,000 — a steep discount from the original asking price of $ 1.144 million .
Multiple parties started circling , and a developer soon had a deal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of the year .
The coronavirus hit the U.S. soon after , however , and the transaction fell apart in escrow .
That ’ s when the community stepped in .
Determined to buy the land to conserve it from development , local resident Jason Greenwald and his wife , Corey Nickerson , teamed with an organization called Friends of Griffith Park and hammered out a contract in late April to buy it for a reduced price of $ 500,000 ; the only catch was that they had to agree to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds by May 8 , according to Douglas Elliman agents Heather T. Roy and Learka Bosnak , who represented the buyers .
More than 100 contributions poured in , ranging from a pair of angel donors who contributed six figures to an 8-year-old who contributed $ 2 .
They raised half a million dollars before the deadline , and the deal closed late last week , ensuring that the prized plot of land will remain undeveloped .
“ It ’ s a victory for that neighborhood , ” said Roy .
Bosnak added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was amazing to see people rally around a cause and donate money to land conservation .
The land — filled with oak trees and wildlife — now belongs to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority , a public agency that acquires , preserves and protects open spaces .
In addition to the $ 500,000 , a bit extra was raised to take care of maintenance and brush clearance bills in the future .
“ When this pandemic is over , Los Angeles will have an even bigger and better Griffith Park to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councilman David Ryu in a statement .
His office pledged $ 15,000 toward the effort .
The parcels sit just south of Bronson Canyon , a well-known section of Griffith Park that ’ s been used as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows over the years .
One of the Bronson caves was famously used to portray the Batcave in the 1960s “ Batman ” series , which Roy said was a contributing factor to the fundraiser ’ s success .
The scenic area also has starred in the shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trek ” and the films “ The Scorpion King , ” “ Hail , Caesar !
” and “ Under the Silver Lake .
”

Two parcels, combining for 1.35 acres near the Bronson Caves, will be saved from development.
Griffith Park just got a little bit bigger. All it took was a canceled deal due to the coronavirus and a community fundraiser that raised $500,000.
Last year, a rare real estate opportunity presented itself on the outskirts of L.A.’s largest park. Two empty lots, combining for 1.35 acres nestled against Griffith’s southern border, came to market for a combined $850,000 — a steep discount from the original asking price of $1.144 million.
Multiple parties started circling, and a developer soon had a deal in place to buy the prized parcels at the beginning of the year. The coronavirus hit the U.S. soon after, however, and the transaction fell apart in escrow.
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That’s when the community stepped in. Determined to buy the land to conserve it from development, local resident Jason Greenwald and his wife, Corey Nickerson, teamed with an organization called Friends of Griffith Park and hammered out a contract in late April to buy it for a reduced price of $500,000; the only catch was that they had to agree to a shortened 21-day escrow and gather the funds by May 8, according to Douglas Elliman agents Heather T. Roy and Learka Bosnak, who represented the buyers.
More than 100 contributions poured in, ranging from a pair of angel donors who contributed six figures to an 8-year-old who contributed $2. They raised half a million dollars before the deadline, and the deal closed late last week, ensuring that the prized plot of land will remain undeveloped.
“It’s a victory for that neighborhood,” said Roy.
Bosnak added that, especially during a pandemic, it was amazing to see people rally around a cause and donate money to land conservation.
The land — filled with oak trees and wildlife — now belongs to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, a public agency that acquires, preserves and protects open spaces. In addition to the $500,000, a bit extra was raised to take care of maintenance and brush clearance bills in the future.
“When this pandemic is over, Los Angeles will have an even bigger and better Griffith Park to return to,” said L.A. City Councilman David Ryu in a statement. His office pledged $15,000 toward the effort.
The parcels sit just south of Bronson Canyon, a well-known section of Griffith Park that’s been used as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows over the years. One of the Bronson caves was famously used to portray the Batcave in the 1960s “Batman” series, which Roy said was a contributing factor to the fundraiser’s success.
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The scenic area also has starred in the shows “Twin Peaks” and “Star Trek” and the films “The Scorpion King,” “Hail, Caesar!” and “Under the Silver Lake.”


latimes--2020-05-21--L.A. County surpasses 2,000 coronavirus deaths: 'A very sad milestone'

“ This is a very sad milestone for us , ” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a daily briefing .
Along with the updated death count — which now stands at 2,016 , according to The Times ’ coronavirus tracker — Ferrer announced an additional 1,204 confirmed infections , pushing the county ’ s total past 42,000 .
L.A. County remains the hotbed of coronavirus activity in the Golden State .
California ’ s most populous county accounts for nearly 60 % of the state ’ s total death toll and almost half of the more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Overall , 52 % of those who have died in the county lived in an institutional setting , Ferrer said .
The vast majority of those people were residents of skilled-nursing facilities , she added .
Deaths have topped 3,500 across California , even as officials move to further reopen the state ’ s economy .
The sobering statistic illustrates that although this week has seen glints of optimism that the state is turning the tide in its fight against COVID-19 , the disease is still here , and the danger is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-related fatalities Tuesday — the most in a single day since the pandemic began .
Despite the magnitude of its caseload , the county is making progress .
Its transmission rate recently hit the lowest level seen since the coronavirus outbreak began to mushroom in March .
Ferrer also said the county has seen a 12 % decrease in its latest seven-day average of deaths per day , as well as a 15 % decrease in its most recent three-day average for hospitalizations per day .
“ The progress we ’ ve made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the average daily deaths and hospitalizations and retaining capacity in our healthcare system — this lets us know that the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by all of you are working , ” she said .
“ As a community , we ’ ve done this together , and this progress is a direct reflection of what all of you in your day-to-day lives have been able to accomplish.
” Amid that progress , Los Angeles County has begun to relax some of its coronavirus restrictions , but the county doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a wider reopening .
Despite this , Supervisor Janice Hahn is calling for Gov .
Gavin Newsom to allow all retail businesses across the state to open , provided they meet the same public health protocols — including limiting capacity , and requiring face coverings for employees and customers as well as physical distancing .
Doing so , she said Thursday , would help level the playing field between retailers that had to close because of coronavirus restrictions and larger ones such as Walmart , Costco and Target that have been allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What seemed to be a necessary measure at the early onset of this crisis has unintentionally created winners and losers in this ‘ pandemic economy , ’ with large retail businesses able to operate , while small retail businesses are struggling and limited to curbside pickup , ” Hahn said in a statement .
“ This needs to change.
” But during the county ’ s daily update , Supervisor Hilda Solis urged caution .
“ It looks like we are improving .
I wish that we could speed things up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that economic recovery can ’ t come at the expense of more lives .
“ Let ’ s be frank : The economic crisis for communities of color predates COVID-19 , ” Solis said .
“ COVID-19 has magnified that reality.
” Since “ the virus is still out there waiting for us to let our guard down , ” she said , it ’ s vital to keep measures and rules in place to make sure business is conducted safely .
Of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the ages of 18 and 65 — and “ this is the age group that makes up the majority of our workforce.
” “ So , as more people are going back to work , it ’ s an important reminder that people at the workplace may be infected even if they aren ’ t feeling sick , ” she said .
Much of California has progressed to a point where officials feel it ’ s safe to further lift portions of the state ’ s stay-at-home order and allow more businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified coronavirus cases across the state declined from the previous week , and hospitalizations have dropped more than 15 % from a peak six weeks ago , according to a Times analysis .
As of Thursday morning , 40 of California ’ s 58 counties had received approval to progress more quickly through Phase 2 of the state ’ s reopening road map — meaning they can open restaurant dining rooms and more retail businesses for in-store shopping .
The list of counties that can ramp up their reopening efforts now includes San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populous — Kern , San Luis Obispo , Santa Barbara and Ventura .
Officials emphasize , however , that residents and businesses still need to take steps to prevent transmission of the virus .
“ These businesses are required to follow detailed guidelines from the state to protect the health of employees and customers , ” San Luis Obispo officials wrote on the county ’ s Facebook page .
“ We all need to continue taking precautions to keep our community safe , like washing hands frequently , staying home if sick and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when out in public.
” What remains to be seen is whether customers will come back .
Just because patrons can return doesn ’ t mean they are comfortable doing so , especially as businesses still must meet adhere to the physical-distancing and sanitation requirements and other measures .
Still , a return to normal is undoubtedly an allure for some .
“ The feedback from our shoppers is that they are very excited to get back to a sense of normalcy , ” said Natasha Shelton , the senior general manager for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Yuba Sutter Mall in Yuba City .
“ They are treating themselves to a nice set of shoes or some other item they ’ ve been used to , to boost their mood .
This is something they treasured before , and they ’ re treasuring it even more now.
” Even though the state recently relaxed its reopening rules — which made it possible for more-populated urban counties to qualify — some counties have pushed to go further .
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted this week to move all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow in-person religious services to resume and movie theaters , shopping malls , salons , gyms and dine-in restaurants to reopen .
“ This is going to be one of those events that changes our lives forever , ” Tulare County Supervisor Kuyler Crocker said Wednesday .
“ Business is not going to be done in same way .
But that doesn ’ t mean we can ’ t do business.
” For those caught between what the state allows and what local governments permit , the question of whether to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very tough situation , ” said Shelby Massey , the owner of Studio 622 Salon & Spa in Yuba City .
“ I have pressure from people wanting to go back to work , clients wanting to come in and see their stylists , and state officials and the licensing board to stay closed .
”

Luke Money, Hannah Fry, Leila Miller, Rong-Gong Lin II

Los Angeles County health officials announced 46 new coronavirus-linked fatalities Thursday, pushing the region’s death toll past 2,000.
“This is a very sad milestone for us,” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during a daily briefing.
Along with the updated death count — which now stands at 2,016, according to The Times’ coronavirus tracker — Ferrer announced an additional 1,204 confirmed infections, pushing the county’s total past 42,000.
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L.A. County remains the hotbed of coronavirus activity in the Golden State. California’s most populous county accounts for nearly 60% of the state’s total death toll and almost half of the more than 86,000 infections that have been confirmed statewide.
Overall, 52% of those who have died in the county lived in an institutional setting, Ferrer said. The vast majority of those people were residents of skilled-nursing facilities, she added.
Deaths have topped 3,500 across California, even as officials move to further reopen the state’s economy.
The sobering statistic illustrates that although this week has seen glints of optimism that the state is turning the tide in its fight against COVID-19, the disease is still here, and the danger is still real.
California recorded 132 new coronavirus-related fatalities Tuesday — the most in a single day since the pandemic began.
Despite the magnitude of its caseload, the county is making progress. Its transmission rate recently hit the lowest level seen since the coronavirus outbreak began to mushroom in March.
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Ferrer also said the county has seen a 12% decrease in its latest seven-day average of deaths per day, as well as a 15% decrease in its most recent three-day average for hospitalizations per day.
“The progress we’ve made in slowing the spread, the reduction in the average daily deaths and hospitalizations and retaining capacity in our healthcare system — this lets us know that the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by all of you are working,” she said. “As a community, we’ve done this together, and this progress is a direct reflection of what all of you in your day-to-day lives have been able to accomplish.”
Amid that progress, Los Angeles County has begun to relax some of its coronavirus restrictions, but the county doesn’t meet the state’s criteria for a wider reopening.
Despite this, Supervisor Janice Hahn is calling for Gov. Gavin Newsom to allow all retail businesses across the state to open, provided they meet the same public health protocols — including limiting capacity, and requiring face coverings for employees and customers as well as physical distancing.
Doing so, she said Thursday, would help level the playing field between retailers that had to close because of coronavirus restrictions and larger ones such as Walmart, Costco and Target that have been allowed to stay open throughout the pandemic.
“What seemed to be a necessary measure at the early onset of this crisis has unintentionally created winners and losers in this ‘pandemic economy,’ with large retail businesses able to operate, while small retail businesses are struggling and limited to curbside pickup,” Hahn said in a statement. “This needs to change.”
But during the county’s daily update, Supervisor Hilda Solis urged caution. “It looks like we are improving. I wish that we could speed things up,” she said. But she warned that economic recovery can’t come at the expense of more lives.
“Let’s be frank: The economic crisis for communities of color predates COVID-19,” Solis said. “COVID-19 has magnified that reality.”
Since “the virus is still out there waiting for us to let our guard down,” she said, it’s vital to keep measures and rules in place to make sure business is conducted safely.
Which California counties are reopening? To contain the spread of COVID-19, parks, restaurants and stores are slowly reopening.
Of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county, Ferrer said, 76% were between the ages of 18 and 65 — and “this is the age group that makes up the majority of our workforce.”
“So, as more people are going back to work, it’s an important reminder that people at the workplace may be infected even if they aren’t feeling sick,” she said.
Much of California has progressed to a point where officials feel it’s safe to further lift portions of the state’s stay-at-home order and allow more businesses to reopen.
The number of newly identified coronavirus cases across the state declined from the previous week, and hospitalizations have dropped more than 15% from a peak six weeks ago, according to a Times analysis.
As of Thursday morning, 40 of California’s 58 counties had received approval to progress more quickly through Phase 2 of the state’s reopening road map — meaning they can open restaurant dining rooms and more retail businesses for in-store shopping.
California 40 of California’s 58 counties get OK for more robust reopening Ventura and San Diego counties are among the latest to get state approval to push through Phase 2. Orange County hasn’t been given the green light yet, and L.A. County doesn’t meet the criteria.
The list of counties that can ramp up their reopening efforts now includes San Diego — the state’s second-most populous — Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.
Officials emphasize, however, that residents and businesses still need to take steps to prevent transmission of the virus.
“These businesses are required to follow detailed guidelines from the state to protect the health of employees and customers,” San Luis Obispo officials wrote on the county’s Facebook page. “We all need to continue taking precautions to keep our community safe, like washing hands frequently, staying home if sick and maintaining 6 feet of distance from others when out in public.”
What remains to be seen is whether customers will come back.
Just because patrons can return doesn’t mean they are comfortable doing so, especially as businesses still must meet adhere to the physical-distancing and sanitation requirements and other measures.
Still, a return to normal is undoubtedly an allure for some.
“The feedback from our shoppers is that they are very excited to get back to a sense of normalcy,” said Natasha Shelton, the senior general manager for the Chico Mall in Butte County and the Yuba Sutter Mall in Yuba City. “They are treating themselves to a nice set of shoes or some other item they’ve been used to, to boost their mood. This is something they treasured before, and they’re treasuring it even more now.”
Even though the state recently relaxed its reopening rules — which made it possible for more-populated urban counties to qualify — some counties have pushed to go further.
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted this week to move all the way through Phase 3, which would allow in-person religious services to resume and movie theaters, shopping malls, salons, gyms and dine-in restaurants to reopen.
“This is going to be one of those events that changes our lives forever,” Tulare County Supervisor Kuyler Crocker said Wednesday. “Business is not going to be done in same way. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do business.”
For those caught between what the state allows and what local governments permit, the question of whether to open is challenging.
“It’s a very tough situation,” said Shelby Massey, the owner of Studio 622 Salon & Spa in Yuba City. “I have pressure from people wanting to go back to work, clients wanting to come in and see their stylists, and state officials and the licensing board to stay closed.”
Times staff writer James Rainey contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-21--Orange County extends beach hours for Memorial Day weekend, reopens some parking lots

Coastal access in Orange County will be easier over the Memorial Day weekend , as several coastal cities expanded their beach hours and plan to open more parking lots connected to the shoreline .
Seal Beach officials this week authorized the city to move into Phase 2 and 3 of its “ beach in motion ” plans , which expands hours for access but continues to prohibit beachgoers from lounging on the sand .
Active use such as walking , jogging , surfing or swimming is allowed and is in line with rules at other Southern California beaches .
Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , Seal Beach took a more cautious approach in reopening its coastline earlier this month than other beach cities .
The city submitted a multistep plan to the state in early May after Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered the closure of all 42 miles of the county ’ s coastline to stem the spread of the virus after beachgoers packed some stretches of sand during a spring heat wave .
Initially , Seal Beach allowed public access only Monday through Thursdays , opening after sunrise and closing at sunset .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Those new hours will be in place seven days a week , officials say .
Parking lots on 1st Street , 8th Street and 10th Street also reopened this week .
However , officials closed half of the parking spaces to ensure beachgoers continue social distancing .
“ We ’ ve been so proud of this community ’ s patience , dedication , and understanding as we navigate this difficult time ” Seal Beach Mayor Schelly Sustarsic said in a prepared statement .
“ We are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to being able to enjoy our beaches more .
Phase three is the next step in moving toward returning to normal.
” A few miles south , Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are also allowing beach access on weekends , ahead of the Memorial Day holiday .
Newport is now open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. , while Huntington Beach opens an hour earlier .
Laguna Beach , however , is maintaining stricter hours on Saturdays and Sundays , with their coastline closing at noon each day .
Getting to the beach is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lots with reduced capacity at Salt Creek , Strands and Baby beaches in Dana Point , along with the coastal lot at Aliso Beach in South Laguna .
Most cities have opened beach parking in some capacity to prevent visitors from crowding neighborhoods .
While Los Angeles County beaches also have reopened for active use , their parking lots remain closed .
Public health officials continue to caution residents to avoid large gatherings and outdoor crowds during the Memorial Day weekend .
County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer warned residents to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sand during beach outings .
“ Many of our beautiful outdoor spaces are open and we can enjoy them as we practice physical distancing and wear our cloth face coverings when we ’ re around other people , ” Ferrer said during a news conference Wednesday .
“ The virus hasn ’ t changed .
It ’ s still relatively easy to become infected , particularly if you ’ re not taking precautions .
”

Beach goers enjoy a day at Seal Beach while social distancing on Thursday, May 21, 2020. The city is now welcoming beachgoers from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Coastal access in Orange County will be easier over the Memorial Day weekend, as several coastal cities expanded their beach hours and plan to open more parking lots connected to the shoreline.
Seal Beach officials this week authorized the city to move into Phase 2 and 3 of its “beach in motion” plans, which expands hours for access but continues to prohibit beachgoers from lounging on the sand. Active use such as walking, jogging, surfing or swimming is allowed and is in line with rules at other Southern California beaches.
Following a six-week closure at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Seal Beach took a more cautious approach in reopening its coastline earlier this month than other beach cities.
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The city submitted a multistep plan to the state in early May after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the closure of all 42 miles of the county’s coastline to stem the spread of the virus after beachgoers packed some stretches of sand during a spring heat wave.
Initially, Seal Beach allowed public access only Monday through Thursdays, opening after sunrise and closing at sunset. But the city is now welcoming beachgoers from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Those new hours will be in place seven days a week, officials say.
Parking lots on 1st Street, 8th Street and 10th Street also reopened this week. However, officials closed half of the parking spaces to ensure beachgoers continue social distancing.
“We’ve been so proud of this community’s patience, dedication, and understanding as we navigate this difficult time” Seal Beach Mayor Schelly Sustarsic said in a prepared statement. “We are very excited to move into phase three and look forward to being able to enjoy our beaches more. Phase three is the next step in moving toward returning to normal.”
A few miles south, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are also allowing beach access on weekends, ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. Newport is now open 6 a.m.-10 p.m., while Huntington Beach opens an hour earlier.
Laguna Beach, however, is maintaining stricter hours on Saturdays and Sundays, with their coastline closing at noon each day.
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Getting to the beach is also easier, after county officials opened parking lots with reduced capacity at Salt Creek, Strands and Baby beaches in Dana Point, along with the coastal lot at Aliso Beach in South Laguna. Most cities have opened beach parking in some capacity to prevent visitors from crowding neighborhoods.
Los Angeles County officials announced Friday that beach bike paths and some beach parking lots would reopen ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Public health officials have continued to caution residents to avoid large gatherings and outdoor crowds.
County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer warned residents to allow for physical distancing and refrain from packing the sand during beach outings.
“Many of our beautiful outdoor spaces are open and we can enjoy them as we practice physical distancing and wear our cloth face coverings when we’re around other people,” Ferrer said during a news conference Wednesday.
“The virus hasn’t changed. It’s still relatively easy to become infected, particularly if you’re not taking precautions.”
Times staff writer Colleen Shalby contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-21--40 of California's 58 counties get OK for more robust reopening

More than two-thirds of Southern California counties have received approval to more quickly reopen their economies as the state continues to loosen coronavirus-related restrictions .
Those that have received the green light to move deeper into Phase 2 — clearing them to reopen restaurant dining rooms and more retail businesses for in-store shopping , with modifications — include San Diego , Kern , San Luis Obispo , Santa Barbara and Ventura counties , according to the state .
Local officials cheered the development , which will allow them to more broadly restart segments of their economies that have been shuttered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers said he was “ so happy for our county , businesses and employees , ” adding that there ’ s still “ a long way to go , but this is a major milestone.
” “ COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on both community health and our economy , ” he said .
“ We want businesses to be able to reopen , and we believe they can and will do so safely.
” This doesn ’ t mean it ’ s back to business as usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cautioned that residents should still follow measures meant to stem the spread of the coronavirus — such as physical distancing and wearing face coverings — and that stores need to abide by the guidelines for reopening .
“ The county is enormously grateful for the public ’ s effort to date , ” San Diego County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said .
Dr. Penny Borenstein , San Luis Obispo County ’ s health officer , said that before retail businesses can open their doors or restaurants can start offering dine-in service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , train their workers to counteract the spread of the virus and perform temperature checks on employees and , in some cases , patrons .
The county will inspect businesses that reopen to be sure they ’ re in compliance , she said .
She also asked tourists to stay out of San Luis Obispo County .
While officials have performed “ spot checks ” with local hotels to deter tourism , Borenstein said the county would cite visitors only in the case of “ egregious violations.
” All told , 40 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state approval to more quickly reopen certain businesses as of Thursday morning .
The list of counties that have been cleared to more fully enter Phase 2 does not include Los Angeles — which continues to be the epicenter of California ’ s coronavirus activity .
Officials there have set a goal to more fully reopen by July 4 .
Nor does the list , at this point , include Orange County — where officials said earlier this week they planned to petition for permission to reopen quicker even if they didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new rules .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom foreshadowed the avalanche of attestations when he unveiled the state ’ s new reopening criteria earlier this week .
On Monday , he said the revised rules would allow 53 California counties to move further into the second of four stages toward reopening if they so chose .
Under the state ’ s earlier criteria , the ability to reopen quicker was effectively restricted to more rural , less-populated counties that have not seen the same level of coronavirus activity as their urban counterparts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that 95 % of Californians lived in counties that didn ’ t meet those previous standards .
The new rules , however , made it easier for urban counties to qualify .
For instance , under the revised metrics counties are no longer kept from loosening the shutdown rules if there have been COVID-19 deaths in the previous two weeks .
Counties also will be able to move toward a more expansive reopening if they can show fewer than 25 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents tested for the virus over a seven-day period were positive .
Despite the relaxed criteria , some counties have still opted to reopen faster and more broadly in defiance of the state ’ s orders .

Roger Anderson and son Trey, 11, enjoy breakfast at Busy Bee Cafe on Main Street in downtown Ventura Thursday morning. “This is one of our favorite paces to eat so we made a point to swing in.” Said Anderson
More than two-thirds of Southern California counties have received approval to more quickly reopen their economies as the state continues to loosen coronavirus-related restrictions.
Those that have received the green light to move deeper into Phase 2 — clearing them to reopen restaurant dining rooms and more retail businesses for in-store shopping, with modifications — include San Diego, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, according to the state.
Local officials cheered the development, which will allow them to more broadly restart segments of their economies that have been shuttered under California’s stay-at-home order.
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Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers said he was “so happy for our county, businesses and employees,” adding that there’s still “a long way to go, but this is a major milestone.”
“COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on both community health and our economy,” he said. “We want businesses to be able to reopen, and we believe they can and will do so safely.”
Eddy Guevara power washes the sidewalk of Cafe Fiore on South California Street near Main Street in downtown Ventura Thursday morning in preparation for reopening as Ventura County has become the largest county in Southern California to resume dine-in service. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
This doesn’t mean it’s back to business as usual in those counties, however. Officials cautioned that residents should still follow measures meant to stem the spread of the coronavirus — such as physical distancing and wearing face coverings — and that stores need to abide by the guidelines for reopening.
“The county is enormously grateful for the public’s effort to date,” San Diego County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said.
Which California counties are reopening? To contain the spread of COVID-19, parks, restaurants and stores are slowly reopening.
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Dr. Penny Borenstein, San Luis Obispo County’s health officer, said that before retail businesses can open their doors or restaurants can start offering dine-in service, they must perform a risk assessment, train their workers to counteract the spread of the virus and perform temperature checks on employees and, in some cases, patrons.
The county will inspect businesses that reopen to be sure they’re in compliance, she said.
She also asked tourists to stay out of San Luis Obispo County. While officials have performed “spot checks” with local hotels to deter tourism, Borenstein said the county would cite visitors only in the case of “egregious violations.”
All told, 40 of California’s 58 counties had received state approval to more quickly reopen certain businesses as of Thursday morning.
Here’s the full list: Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo and Yuba.
The list of counties that have been cleared to more fully enter Phase 2 does not include Los Angeles — which continues to be the epicenter of California’s coronavirus activity.
Officials there have set a goal to more fully reopen by July 4.
Nor does the list, at this point, include Orange County — where officials said earlier this week they planned to petition for permission to reopen quicker even if they didn’t meet the exact letter of all the new rules.
Gov. Gavin Newsom foreshadowed the avalanche of attestations when he unveiled the state’s new reopening criteria earlier this week. On Monday, he said the revised rules would allow 53 California counties to move further into the second of four stages toward reopening if they so chose.
Under the state’s earlier criteria, the ability to reopen quicker was effectively restricted to more rural, less-populated counties that have not seen the same level of coronavirus activity as their urban counterparts.
A Times data analysis earlier this month found that 95% of Californians lived in counties that didn’t meet those previous standards.
The new rules, however, made it easier for urban counties to qualify.
For instance, under the revised metrics counties are no longer kept from loosening the shutdown rules if there have been COVID-19 deaths in the previous two weeks.
Counties also will be able to move toward a more expansive reopening if they can show fewer than 25 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days, or show that fewer than 8% of residents tested for the virus over a seven-day period were positive.
Despite the relaxed criteria, some counties have still opted to reopen faster and more broadly in defiance of the state’s orders.
Times staff writer Matthew Ormseth contributed to this report.