latimes--2020-08-13--California on the cusp of reining in COVID-19 surge, data show

Six weeks after California began re-closing swaths of the economy , there is cautious optimism that coronavirus transmission is heading downward , officials say .
If it stays that way , the state may be on the cusp of curbing its second surge of the pandemic .
The potential crest comes after Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s speedy economic reopening in May and early June led to a near doubling of the weekly death toll over the spring tally .
The state ’ s cumulative pandemic death toll is now more than 10,800 , one of the worst disasters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But there are now several signs that Newsom ’ s second shutdown , which began in late June and broadened in early July , is finally having its intended effect .
It can take three to five weeks to start seeing the health effects of stay-at-home orders , and it has been six weeks since much of the state was required to close bars and indoor dining rooms at restaurants , an order that was expanded to the rest of the state a month ago .
“ While our gains might feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our success over the last three weeks is real , ” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday .
“ We begin to see signs of light.
” The mayor also announced that a coalition of scientific experts , bioscience firms , government leaders and foundations is researching at-home coronavirus testing in a bid to “ accelerate the science ” so that outbreaks can be identified more quickly .
In Los Angeles County , the effective transmission rate of the coronavirus is now estimated at 0.86 — meaning that every one infected person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 0.86 other people .
Last week , the rate was at 0.91 .
“ This is what progress looks like , ” said Dr. Roger Lewis , who is leading L.A. County ’ s pandemic predictive modeling team .
San Francisco ’ s transmission rate for the last few days is from 0.95 to 0.98 , health director Dr. Grant Colfax said Tuesday .
And statewide , an ensemble computer model known as the California COVID Assessment Tool estimates California ’ s overall transmission rate at about 0.96 .
To be sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The state model estimates that Alameda , Sonoma , Placer , and Inyo counties are seeing an increasing spread of the disease .
But hospitalizations are also falling in many regions of California .
Statewide , the average number of people who were hospitalized seemed to peak in late July , when an average of nearly 7,000 people were in the hospital with confirmed coronavirus infections over a seven-day period ; on Wednesday , that number fell to 5,710 .
Deaths , however , have accelerated in recent weeks ; in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coronavirus deaths have occurred since Memorial Day .
For the seven-day period that ended Monday , 969 deaths were reported across California , the largest weekly death toll since the pandemic began .
It is possible that the number of new COVID-19 deaths may have peaked , but it ’ s probably too early to know for sure .
By Wednesday , the seven-day average of daily deaths was 134 , an improvement from the previous week , when the seven-day average hit 144 , a record high .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Newsom said Wednesday .
The governor expressed optimism at the trend but resolved to avoid a reopening that repeated previous mistakes .
Newsom , under pressure , began reopening businesses in the late spring before his own benchmarks for a safer reopening were met .
“ The worst mistake we can make ... is run the 90-yard dash , where we think we ’ ve got this and we walk away , and we revert back to the way things used to be , ” Newsom said Wednesday .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very cautious and very deliberative.
” Newsom said that when the reopening of the economy did happen , it would be carried out “ with much more focus , much more intention and more deliberative mindset ” to educate people about how to diminish the spread of the disease .
“ We have to maintain our vigilance , ” Newsom said , “ and we ’ ll need a commensurate public awareness campaign and enforcement campaign.
” In L.A. County , the public health director , Barbara Ferrer , said Wednesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high that colleges and universities would need to remain largely closed to in-person instruction until disease levels fell further , with limited exceptions , such as lab work or for students who will become part of the essential workforce .
“ The very nature of the way that colleges and universities operate creates a significant risk of outbreaks of COVID-19 , ” Ferrer said Wednesday .
Social gatherings and workplace outbreaks caused a significant surge in the spread of disease after the economy was reopened in May and June .
A government analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Diego County showed that the total included 61 that occurred in restaurants or bars ; 45 in various businesses ; and 18 in healthcare settings .
Ten outbreaks occurred in government settings , nine in residences , eight in gyms , seven in faith-based settings , six in food-processing facilities , six in grocery facilities , five in hotels or resorts or spas , and four at preschools .
L.A. County has reported 30,827 new coronavirus cases in the last two weeks , which amounts to 305 new cases per 100,000 residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that number to 200 new cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period before local officials can contemplate allowing some elementary schools to reopen , and it will have to be down to 100 new cases per 100,000 residents to allow a further reopening of the economy .
Ferrer said she didn ’ t know when L.A. County would reach those levels but said it was possible — New York City has had a rate of about 50 cases per 100,000 residents in the last two weeks , she said .
In other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ really concerted effort , that rate has come down and come down significantly , ” she said .
L.A. County has filed a lawsuit seeking the closure of a church in Sun Valley , alleging that Grace Community Church of the Valley began holding indoor worship services on July 26 .
Newsom ordered a prohibition of indoor worship services in the hardest-hit counties on July 13 ; outdoor services are allowed .
County officials said videos posted of religious services this month show congregants gathering without wearing masks or staying socially distant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement that said “ compliance would be disobedience to our Lord ’ s clear commands.
” Some of the larger outbreaks in L.A. County include those identified at 10 UPS work sites , including in L.A. , Bell , Gardena , Vernon , Cerritos , Sylmar and Van Nuys , in which 84 workers have tested positive ; and at the SoFi Stadium construction site in Inglewood , where 77 workers have tested positive .
At Trojan Battery Co. in Santa Fe Springs , 61 workers at two worksites have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one worker died , said L.A. County health officer Dr. Muntu Davis .
Cases remain high across Southern California .
San Bernardino County has reported 350 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days ; Riverside County , 328 ; Ventura County , 211 ; Orange County , 207 ; and San Diego County , 155 .
But to dramatically lower new infections , everyone needs to be wearing masks in public , businesses must comply with new coronavirus health and safety rules to protect workers , and residents need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials say .
Young adults are increasingly getting infected and being hospitalized , a pattern seen across California .
“ In June , the case rate among the young really began to take off , ” said Dr. Sara Cody , the Santa Clara County health officer .
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said she wished she could have a party to celebrate her birthday on Tuesday , but it ’ s clear that many people who are getting infected have contracted the virus at family gatherings , parties and other events .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m going to socially distance myself and talk to people on Zoom , ” Breed told reporters .
“ And that ’ s what we need to do .
Just imagine if we all did our part.
” Times staff writers Iris Lee and Taryn Luna contributed to this report .

Six weeks after California began re-closing swaths of the economy, there is cautious optimism that coronavirus transmission is heading downward, officials said.
If it stays that way, the state may be on the cusp of curbing its second surge of the pandemic.
The potential crest comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s speedy economic reopening in May and early June led to a near doubling of the weekly death toll over the spring tally. California’s cumulative pandemic death toll is now about 11,000, one of the worst disasters in the state’s modern history.
But there are now several signs that Newsom’s second shutdown, which began in late June and broadened in early July, is finally having its intended effect. It can take three to five weeks to start seeing the health effects of stay-at-home orders, and six weeks have passed since much of the state was required to close bars and indoor dining rooms at restaurants, an order that was expanded to the rest of the state a month ago.
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“While our gains might feel slow and our future remains fragile, our success over the last three weeks is real,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday. “We begin to see signs of light.”
The mayor also announced that a coalition of scientific experts, bioscience firms, government leaders and foundations is researching at-home coronavirus testing in a bid to “accelerate the science” so that outbreaks can be identified more quickly.
In Los Angeles County, the effective transmission rate of the coronavirus is now about 0.86 — meaning that every one infected person passes the virus to an average of 0.86 other people. Last week, the rate was at 0.91.
“This is what progress looks like,” said Dr. Roger Lewis, who is leading L.A. County’s pandemic predictive modeling team.
Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco’s health director, said the transmission rate there was between 0.95 and 0.98 for the previous few days.
And statewide, an ensemble computer model known as the California COVID Assessment Tool estimates California’s overall transmission rate is about 0.96.
To be sure, not all counties are doing well. The state model estimates that Alameda, Sonoma, Placer and Inyo counties are seeing an increasing spread of the disease.
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But hospitalizations are also falling in many regions of California. Statewide, the average number of people who were hospitalized seemed to peak in late July, when an average of nearly 7,000 people were in hospitals with confirmed coronavirus infections over a seven-day period; by Wednesday, that number had fallen to 5,710.
Deaths, however, have accelerated in recent weeks; in fact, more than 62% of California’s coronavirus deaths have occurred since Memorial Day.
For the seven-day period that ended Monday, 969 deaths were reported across California, the largest weekly death toll since the pandemic began.
It is possible that the number of new COVID-19 deaths may have peaked, but it’s probably too early to know for sure. By Wednesday, the seven-day average of daily deaths was 134, an improvement from the previous week, when the seven-day average hit 144, a record high.
“We are turning the corner on this pandemic,” Newsom said Wednesday.
The governor expressed optimism at the trend but resolved to avoid a reopening that repeated previous mistakes. Newsom, under pressure, began reopening businesses in late spring before his own benchmarks for a safer reopening were met.
“The worst mistake we can make … is run the 90-yard dash, where we think we’ve got this and we walk away, and we revert back to the way things used to be,” Newsom said Wednesday. “And that’s why we have to be very cautious and very deliberative.”
Newsom said that when the reopening of the economy does happen, it will be carried out “with much more focus, much more intention and more deliberative mindset” to educate people about how to diminish the spread of the disease.
“We have to maintain our vigilance,” Newsom said, “and we’ll need a commensurate public awareness campaign and enforcement campaign.”
In L.A. County, Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday that the rate of disease was still so high that colleges and universities would need to remain largely closed to in-person instruction until disease levels fall further, with limited exceptions such as lab work or arrangements for students who will become part of the essential workforce.
“The very nature of the way that colleges and universities operate creates a significant risk of outbreaks of COVID-19,” Ferrer said.
Social gatherings and workplace outbreaks caused a significant surge in the spread of disease after the economy was reopened in May and June.
A government analysis of all 188 documented coronavirus outbreaks in San Diego County showed that the total included 61 that occurred in restaurants or bars, 45 in various businesses and 18 in healthcare settings. Ten outbreaks occurred in government settings, nine in residences, eight in gyms, seven in faith-based settings, six in food-processing facilities, six in grocery facilities, five in hotels or resorts or spas, and four at preschools.
L.A. County has reported 30,827 new coronavirus cases in the last two weeks, which amounts to 305 new cases per 100,000 residents. The county will need to reduce that number to 200 new cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period before local officials can contemplate allowing some elementary schools to reopen, and a rate of 100 new cases per 100,000 residents will be necessary to allow a further reopening of the economy.
Ferrer said she didn’t know when L.A. County would reach those levels but said it was possible; New York City has had a rate of about 50 cases per 100,000 residents in the last two weeks, she said. In other places in the world, with a “really concerted effort, that rate has come down and come down significantly,” she said.
Yet challenges remain.
L.A. County has filed a lawsuit seeking the closure of a church in Sun Valley, alleging that Grace Community Church of the Valley began holding indoor worship services July 26. Newsom ordered a prohibition of indoor worship services in the hardest-hit counties July 13; outdoor services are still allowed.
County officials said videos posted of religious services this month show congregants gathering without wearing masks or staying at least six feet from one another. The church issued a statement that said “compliance would be disobedience to our Lord’s clear commands.”
Some of the larger outbreaks in L.A. County include those identified at 10 UPS work sites in L.A., Bell, Gardena, Vernon, Cerritos, Sylmar, Van Nuys and elsewhere in which 84 workers have tested positive; and at the SoFi Stadium construction site in Inglewood, where 77 workers have tested positive.
At Trojan Battery Co. in Santa Fe Springs, 61 workers at two worksites have tested positive; three have been hospitalized, and one worker died, said L.A. County health officer Dr. Muntu Davis.
Cases remain high across Southern California. San Bernardino County has reported 350 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days; Riverside County, 328; Ventura County, 211; Orange County, 207; and San Diego County, 155.
But to dramatically lower new infections, everyone needs to wear masks in public, businesses must comply with new coronavirus health and safety rules to protect workers, and residents need to stop hosting and attending parties, officials said. Young adults are increasingly getting infected and being hospitalized, a pattern seen across California.
“In June, the case rate among the young really began to take off,” said Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County health officer.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said she wished she could have a party to celebrate her birthday Tuesday, but it’s clear that many people who are getting infected have contracted the virus at family gatherings, parties and other events.
So for her birthday, “I’m going to socially distance myself and talk to people on Zoom,” Breed told reporters. “And that’s what we need to do. Just imagine if we all did our part.”
Times staff writers Iris Lee and Taryn Luna contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-08-13--Back to school in a pandemic: Resources and news for parents

Math homework and history reading can mostly be done alone .
But social and emotional learning requires interaction .
Here @ @ @ @ @ help their children during remote schooling .

K-12 schools in Los Angeles are not allowed to be open at the moment. Yet many schools have reopened anyway, either by outsourcing their facilities to established providers like the Y, or by rebranding as day camps, which are license-exempt and virtually unregulated in California.


latimes--2020-08-13--What can parents who work outside the home do about remote schooling?

With California schools starting up again virtually , many parents are wondering how they can get back — or stay — at work if their kids can ’ t physically go back to class .
It ’ s not a one-size-fits-all conundrum .
Two-parent households of means might be able to work from home and take turns helping kids navigate distance learning or hire a tutor .
A single parent who is an essential worker might find herself with fewer options .
Daniel Alvarez , who works in a food facility , said he isn ’ t sure how his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school-age kids ’ studies when his wife is finally able to return to her job as a hair stylist .
“ What do we do ?
” Alvarez said recently while waiting in line with other parents for donated backpacks , school supplies and pantry items in East Los Angeles .
L.A. Unified School District , which serves more than 600,000 kids , including Alvarez ’ s , will have online learning until further notice because of a surge in coronavirus cases .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom has also said that school districts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they ’ re in a county that ’ s on the state watch list .
Only those that have been off the list for more than 14 days are allowed to reopen for in-person instruction , Newsom said .
“ Of course we want to be in compliance , we want everybody to be safe , ” Alvarez said .
“ But we still need that second income to survive.
” So what can parents in similar or equally untenable situations do ?
Some school districts are offering support to working parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s key to look out for updates and see if there ’ s any news you missed .
The Glendale Unified School District , for example , is rolling out on-campus , supervised “ technology pods ” for elementary children .
Held in classrooms and other spaces during regular school hours , children of parents who opt into the program will be assigned to a small group whose members can access distance learning by their regular teachers , according to district officials .
A substitute teacher or certified aid will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pods will be physically distanced and won ’ t interact with members of other pods .
“ These pods are designed to essentially allow working parents an alternate to child care , ” said Neda Farhoumand , former Glendale Council PTA president .
“ And I will say the interest has been tremendous , much more I think than anyone expected.
” Meanwhile .
Los Angeles County is considering using parks and libraries in unincorporated areas as alternative learning sites for students , following a proposal by the L.A. County Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide staffing , supervision and programming to children is expected to arrive in late August .
Some employers offer paid leave for caregivers , flexible work schedules and stipends for child care .
When schools first closed in the spring amid the pandemic , several of California ’ s largest employers stepped up their efforts to help working parents manage distance learning .
Many of those measures were intended to be short-term , to get parents over what was previously thought to be a hump with an end in sight .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with “ the end ” growing ever hazier , those same employers are being forced to consider what to do next — and soon .
Unions representing large contingencies of workers are urging employers to extend and in some cases , expand those benefits .
Child-care services have “ shifted from being viewed as a perk to being a critical need , ” said Rachael McCann , a senior director at the human resources consulting firm Willis Towers Watson .
Sometimes called a learning pod or social bubble , families have been joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping their children learn .
In some cases , parents might take turns watching one another ’ s children and helping them throughout the school day .
In others , children might go to a designated space in one family ’ s home or backyard and receive instruction from a tutor .
In the spring , Judith Goldstein , a single mother of a soon-to-be-sixth grader , had to leave home to work at a Highland Park grocery store most days of the week .
She and her neighbors share a front patio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a weird commune , ” as Goldstein described it .
That meant that even though Goldstein was gone , her daughter Shai wasn ’ t alone .
Still , it wasn ’ t ideal .
Her daughter was unhappy and distracted .
With distance learning still in place , Goldstein decided to team up with another family to pool financial resources to hire a tutor .
On the verge of launching a retail business in Highland Park , Goldstein said she will be able to take the kids to the business several days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other family ’ s home on the remaining days .
“ Parents are relying on one another in creative ways that do actually cultivate community , ” Farhoumand said .
Instead of the traditional carpool , a parent who works at JPL might help lead science enrichment for a small group of students , while another with a background in IT might provide Zoom assistance , she said .
Facebook groups and community meetings are good places to look for parents to team up with , she added .
A Facebook group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Apply for unemployment insurance , if possible In California , it ’ s possible to receive unemployment benefits if you need to stay home with your child when their school pivots to online teaching .
However , California ’ s Employment Development Department reviews unemployment claims on a case-by-case basis , and various factors can make the applicant ineligible .
“ For example , there may be someone else in the home who can care for the child , ” said Tia Koonse , legal and policy research manager at the UCLA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get benefits if you could have stayed home with your child while remaining employed , Koonse added : “ Your employer may be willing to revise your schedule or let you telework.
” Regular unemployment insurance benefits range from $ 40 to $ 450 per week , according to the EDD .
( The EDD ’ s unemployment insurance calculator can help you estimate how much you might receive . )
One downside : it might take a while for the money to show up .
Possibly a very long while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state agency has struggled to process the avalanche of pandemic-related claims .
There is now a substantial backlog , and some claimants have been waiting for their first dollar to arrive for months .

People who work at grocery stores can’t work from home. Here, Anthony Capone, a Vons supervisor in Torrance, greets customers in April.
With California schools starting up again virtually, many parents are wondering how they can get back — or stay — at work if their kids can’t physically go back to class.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all conundrum. Two-parent households of means might be able to work from home and take turns helping kids navigate distance learning or hire a tutor. A single parent who is an essential worker might find herself with fewer options.
Daniel Alvarez, who works in a food facility, said he isn’t sure how his family is going to manage his two school-age kids’ studies when his wife is finally able to return to her job as a hair stylist.
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“What do we do?” Alvarez said recently while waiting in line with other parents for donated backpacks, school supplies and pantry items in East Los Angeles.
L.A. Unified School District, which serves more than 600,000 kids, including Alvarez’s, will have online learning until further notice because of a surge in coronavirus cases. Gov. Gavin Newsom has also said that school districts can’t reopen for in-person instruction if they’re in a county that’s on the state watch list. Only those that have been off the list for more than 14 days are allowed to reopen for in-person instruction, Newsom said.
“Of course we want to be in compliance, we want everybody to be safe,” Alvarez said. “But we still need that second income to survive.”
So what can parents in similar or equally untenable situations do?
California Back to school in a pandemic: Resources and news for parents The new school year of remote learning will bring unique challenges. Here are guides to help parents of school-age children navigate remote learning, as well as recent updates about education in Southern California.
Check with your district
Some school districts are offering support to working parents, or are considering means of support. It’s key to look out for updates and see if there’s any news you missed.
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The Glendale Unified School District, for example, is rolling out on-campus, supervised “technology pods” for elementary children. Held in classrooms and other spaces during regular school hours, children of parents who opt into the program will be assigned to a small group whose members can access distance learning by their regular teachers, according to district officials. A substitute teacher or certified aid will provide support. Children and staff in the pods will be physically distanced and won’t interact with members of other pods.
“These pods are designed to essentially allow working parents an alternate to child care,” said Neda Farhoumand, former Glendale Council PTA president. “And I will say the interest has been tremendous, much more I think than anyone expected.”
Meanwhile. Los Angeles County is considering using parks and libraries in unincorporated areas as alternative learning sites for students, following a proposal by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.
A report outlining a plan to provide staffing, supervision and programming to children is expected to arrive in late August.
Check with your employer
Some employers offer paid leave for caregivers, flexible work schedules and stipends for child care.
When schools first closed in the spring amid the pandemic, several of California’s largest employers stepped up their efforts to help working parents manage distance learning. Many of those measures were intended to be short-term, to get parents over what was previously thought to be a hump with an end in sight. Some have expired or will shortly.
But with “the end” growing ever hazier, those same employers are being forced to consider what to do next — and soon. Unions representing large contingencies of workers are urging employers to extend and in some cases, expand those benefits.
Child-care services have “shifted from being viewed as a perk to being a critical need,” said Rachael McCann, a senior director at the human resources consulting firm Willis Towers Watson.
Team up
Sometimes called a learning pod or social bubble, families have been joining forces to lessen the individual load of helping their children learn. In some cases, parents might take turns watching one another’s children and helping them throughout the school day. In others, children might go to a designated space in one family’s home or backyard and receive instruction from a tutor.
In the spring, Judith Goldstein, a single mother of a soon-to-be-sixth grader, had to leave home to work at a Highland Park grocery store most days of the week. She and her neighbors share a front patio, and they began “living in a weird commune,” as Goldstein described it. That meant that even though Goldstein was gone, her daughter Shai wasn’t alone.
Still, it wasn’t ideal. Her daughter was unhappy and distracted. With distance learning still in place, Goldstein decided to team up with another family to pool financial resources to hire a tutor. On the verge of launching a retail business in Highland Park, Goldstein said she will be able to take the kids to the business several days a week, and send them to the other family’s home on the remaining days.
“Parents are relying on one another in creative ways that do actually cultivate community,” Farhoumand said.
Instead of the traditional carpool, a parent who works at JPL might help lead science enrichment for a small group of students, while another with a background in IT might provide Zoom assistance, she said.
Facebook groups and community meetings are good places to look for parents to team up with, she added. A Facebook group for LAUSD parents has nearly 25,000 members.
Apply for unemployment insurance, if possible
In California, it’s possible to receive unemployment benefits if you need to stay home with your child when their school pivots to online teaching. However, California’s Employment Development Department reviews unemployment claims on a case-by-case basis, and various factors can make the applicant ineligible.
“For example, there may be someone else in the home who can care for the child,” said Tia Koonse, legal and policy research manager at the UCLA Labor Center. You also probably can’t get benefits if you could have stayed home with your child while remaining employed, Koonse added: “Your employer may be willing to revise your schedule or let you telework.”
Regular unemployment insurance benefits range from $40 to $450 per week, according to the EDD. (The EDD’s unemployment insurance calculator can help you estimate how much you might receive.)
One downside: it might take a while for the money to show up. Possibly a very long while. Understaffed and technologically outdated, the state agency has struggled to process the avalanche of pandemic-related claims. There is now a substantial backlog, and some claimants have been waiting for their first dollar to arrive for months.


latimes--2020-08-13--Back to school in a pandemic: The basics of remote learning

Schooling from home for any family is difficult .
It can be even harder if you don ’ t have a computer or WiFi or relied on free meals at school .
Here ’ s a guide to some of the resources that are available in many Southern California school districts .
If you want more specifics , call your school or district .
Don ’ t know which district your school is in ?
Find out here .
If you haven ’ t gotten a laptop already from LAUSD , directly and ask for one .
If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason , call ( 213 ) 443-1300 .
If your student is changing schools , you must return the laptop to your old school ’ s device drop-off window and get another from your new school .
Several internet providers are offering to help families with students , healthcare workers , educators and low-income housing residents during the pandemic .
The national nonprofit Everyone On also is offering resources for free or low-cost internet services .
Another nonprofit , helps connect low-income residents with internet and digital devices at no or low cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use around Los Angeles County , their WiFi networks are usually still available .
This map shows WiFi hotspots — including libraries , parks , schools and coffee shops — where you can find a free network in a pinch .
If you are not served through those resources , and ask for help .
My computer is broken , lost or stolen If you ’ re having trouble with your computer , LAUSD has various to help .
You can also call ( 213 ) 241-5200 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , LAUSD asks you to let them know by filing an incident ticket ( which you can or by calling ( 213 ) 241-5200 and pressing “ option 3 '' and making a police report .
How to set up an email account Chances are the adult in the house has an email account already , but your child may not .
Making one for them might be necessary to navigate online schooling .
First , choose an email provider , such as , , or .
Many services , including Gmail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow supervision of children .
Then create an account .
Be prepared to give basic information , such as your name and phone number , for security purposes .
Create a secure password that you ’ ll remember — you may want to write it down somewhere else or use a free password manager .
With school buildings and Los Angeles County libraries closed , there are fewer options to print for free , but several stores still offer low-cost printing services .
, and , for example , all offer printing services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bring the documents you ’ d like to print in an email , CD or USB or flash drive to your .
You can also upload them online and get them delivered .
First , the Zoom app and set up an account .
You can join a meeting by pressing “ join ” on the app and entering the meeting ID or by clicking the link in an invitation and following the prompts .
You can also start a meeting yourself by clicking “ new meeting.
” Invite participants from the Zoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and send it out yourself .
Once you ’ re in a meeting , you ’ ll be given the option to have your video and audio on or muted .
If it ’ s a meeting with more than one other person , you ’ ll probably want to start by muting your microphone , so any potential background noise from your side doesn ’ t interfere with the call .
Just click “ mute ” on the bottom left corner .
Unmute yourself before you start talking by clicking the button @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar on your keyboard .
If people have a hard time hearing you , try using an inexpensive headset with a microphone .
Put on real clothes .
Don ’ t slouch .
If you want to get really deep , position a light in front of you so that your face is illuminated for the camera and there is no backlighting .
And spruce up your background with photos from L.A. Times photographers of , or the .
What are my options for free meals ?
Many schools are offering free meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer at its grab-and-go food centers , Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture ’ s gives information about places near you that offer free meals for kids .
Let ’ s Eat Healthy shows all by county , including and

Many public school districts can provide laptops, WiFi and other technology that students need for distance learning. Here, Kahlinah Garrett, an office assistant at a Lynwood middle school, hands out computers in April.
Schooling from home for any family is difficult. It can be even harder if you don’t have a computer or Wi-Fi or relied on free meals at school. Here’s a guide to some of the resources that are available in many Southern California school districts. If you want more specifics, call your school or district. Don’t know which district your school is in? Find out here.
I need a computer
If you haven’t gotten a laptop already from LAUSD, call your school directly and ask for one. If you are unable to reach your school for some reason, call (213) 443-1300. If your student is changing schools, you must return the laptop to your old school’s device drop-off window and get another from your new school.
I don’t have internet access
Several internet providers are offering specials to help families with students, healthcare workers, educators and low-income housing residents during the pandemic. The national nonprofit Everyone On also is offering resources for free or low-cost internet services in your area . Another nonprofit, human-I-T, helps connect low-income residents with internet and digital devices at no or low cost.
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While libraries are closed for indoor use around Los Angeles County, their WiFi networks are usually still available. This map shows WiFi hotspots — including libraries, parks, schools and coffee shops — where you can find a free network in a pinch.
If you are not served through those resources, call your school and ask for help.
California Back to school in a pandemic: Resources and news for parents The new school year of remote learning will bring unique challenges. Here are guides to help parents of school-age children navigate remote learning, as well as recent updates about education in Southern California.
My computer is broken, lost or stolen
If you’re having trouble with your computer, LAUSD has various online resources to help. You can also call (213) 241-5200 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. If your device is lost or stolen , LAUSD asks you to let them know by filing an incident ticket (which you can do online or by calling (213) 241-5200 and pressing “option 3” and making a police report.
How to set up an email account
Chances are the adult in the house has an email account already, but your child may not. Making one for them might be necessary to navigate online schooling. First, choose an email provider, such as Gmail , Outlook , Yahoo, AOL or mail.com . Many services, including Gmail, offer free accounts for families that allow supervision of children.
Then create an account. Be prepared to give basic information, such as your name and phone number, for security purposes. Create a secure password that you’ll remember — you may want to write it down somewhere else or use a free password manager.
Where can I print?
With school buildings and Los Angeles County libraries closed, there are fewer options to print for free, but several stores still offer low-cost printing services. UPS , Staples and FedEx , for example, all offer printing services for a few cents per page. Bring the documents you’d like to print in an email, CD or USB or flash drive to your local store . You can also upload them online and get them delivered.
First, download the Zoom app and set up an account.
You can join a meeting by pressing “join” on the app and entering the meeting ID or by clicking the link in an invitation and following the prompts. You can also start a meeting yourself by clicking “new meeting.” Invite participants from the Zoom app or click “copy invitation” and send it out yourself.
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Once you’re in a meeting, you’ll be given the option to have your video and audio on or muted. If it’s a meeting with more than one other person, you’ll probably want to start by muting your microphone, so any potential background noise from your side doesn’t interfere with the call. Just click “mute” on the bottom left corner. Unmute yourself before you start talking by clicking the button again or pressing and holding the space bar on your keyboard. If people have a hard time hearing you, try using an inexpensive headset with a microphone.
Put on real clothes. Don’t slouch. If you want to get really deep, position a light in front of you so that your face is illuminated for the camera and there is no backlighting. And spruce up your background with photos from L.A. Times photographers of California landmarks , outdoor scenes or the Times’ Food section covers .
What are my options for free meals?
Many schools are offering free meals to students.
LAUSD will continue to offer two free meals at its grab-and-go food centers, Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m.


latimes--2020-08-13--Strategies for supporting your child's social and emotional learning from home

Numbers can be multiplied , subtracted and squared in a vacuum , alone in a room .
Books , too , on almost any subject , can be processed independently .
Emotions , on the other hand , are typically experienced — and learned — in context , among people , in a social environment .
That ’ s why some California parents are concerned that virtual learning , mandated in areas that have seen a spike in coronavirus cases , might impede their school-age children ’ s social and emotional learning .
In addition to , or even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree it ’ s not something to take lightly .
“ For kids , even starting in preschool , social engagement with their peers is so crucial for them to develop a sense of self .
And their world , ” according to Macy Grim , a psychotherapist who specializes in working with young children .
But there are ways for parents to facilitate their children ’ s holistic development from home , according to several experts .
“ Children will develop socially and emotionally in lots and lots of different contexts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ though it ’ s an important way , to learn social and emotional skills , ” said Justina Schlund , director of field learning at the Collaborative for Academic , Social and Emotional Learning , or CASEL .
What is social and emotional learning ?
It ’ s a lifelong process “ of learning about who you are , including your emotions and your identity , and also how you fit into the larger , broader world , ” Schlund said .
She said it ’ s useful to think about it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s key to distinguish it from social and emotional well-being , which is related but distinct , Schlund said .
If the sheer breadth of the concept is stress-inducing , take a deep breath .
Like many aspects of our lives during the pandemic , it ’ s OK to aim for what ’ s realistic , instead of perfect .
Given the circumstances , it ’ s possible a child “ might not reach what ’ s seen as typical , but if we see some growth , that is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kahlila Lawrence , an instructor in the University of South Florida ’ s school psychology program .
Learning to manage your own emotional state is crucial , several experts said .
Think about those airplane safety instructions that advise parents to put an oxygen mask on themselves before their children .
It ’ s hard to help someone when you ’ re gasping for air — literally or metaphorically .
When “ parents are anxious and they ’ re giving off that energy — kids are so sensitive to that , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , ” said Grim , a clinical psychology instructor at Pepperdine University .
Without peers to correct behavior and adults outside the home to model it , parents might have to be more conscientious of their status as role models .
“ Parents are constantly teaching their kids , all the time , ” Lawrence said .
“ Now we ’ re talking about parents who are saying , ‘ OK , but how do I engage in more purposeful types of activities ?
’ ” For younger kids , parents can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own age to teach important social concepts , like sharing and learning how to play fair , according to Lawrence .
She offered the example of learning to share crayons back and forth .
Your child might draw for a bit before you ask if you can hold the crayon — and be sure to say thank you if he or she gives it up graciously .
Many teachers across the country start the day with morning meetings , according to Lawrence .
“ It ’ s just a way to check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do the same thing by consistently talking to their kids as a way to make sure they have an outlet to express their fears , frustrations and joys .
Schlund said it ’ s important to build the check-in into a reliable routine .
It doesn ’ t have to be in the morning , but it should come at a similar time of day , she said .
The questions and style will look different based on the age of the child “ because the older ones might look at you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I told you I ’ m fine .
Leave me alone , ’ ” Lawrence said .
Sometimes those conversations will be short .
“ Sometimes you might get a little something , like , ‘ I ’ m upset because I can ’ t see my friends .
I ’ m tired of this , ’ and then that can lead to additional conversations , ” Lawrence added .
It can also be a place to proactively offer help , Schlund said .
In addition to asking children how they are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to make the day a good one .
Experts unanimously underscored the benefits of creating a routine .
It creates a sense of normalcy and provides a sense of emotional safety , according to Schlund .
That means no more sleeping at different times each night and spending half of the day in pajamas — things some parents reported happening in spring when distance learning was thrust on their families amid the coronavirus pandemic .
While the pandemic has forced flexibility in many respects , Lawrence stressed , “ Kids need routines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will likely help that this fall Los Angeles Unified , the largest school district in the state , will follow a predictable schedule that somewhat mirrors a traditional school day .
Parents don ’ t have to wait until their kids are in distress to try to come up with a solution , Schlund said .
Instead , they can think in advance about strategies that their children can work on and practice with them .
Schlund recommends creating a list of things they can do when they feel stressed out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing with a sibling .
She said this can help children learn effective ways to manage their emotions — a central aspect of social and emotional learning .
Just because your kids might not be able to play soccer with the gang or hug grandma doesn ’ t mean they can ’ t maintain relationships in some form .
Screens , the bane of some parents ’ existence pre-COVID , can be a gateway to virtual hangouts that allow kids to stay connected to peers and relatives living outside the home .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to include another family that is following similar health precautions .
There are also out-of-the-box methods to provide connection .
Jesyka Lueck , a psychotherapist from Torrance , said she recently invited a neighbor to read stories to her 4-year-old son , Edison , through a glass window .
Edison , who has an underlying medical condition that may make him susceptible to a serious case of COVID-19 , has been largely isolated since the spring .
Grim specializes in a type of child counseling known as play therapy .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recognize , identify , label and regulate their emotions using play .
“ If an adult comes into the room and sits on the couch , they can talk about their feelings and their emotions .
Kids can ’ t necessarily do that , ” Grim said .
“ You can never sit a 3-year-old down on a couch and ask them about their feelings .
So you use the means of play and metaphors and toys in order to speak their language.
” Parents with enough time and money can learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called filial therapy , Grim said .
Acknowledging that it requires significant privilege to access , she said parents can still learn a lot through books and online resources ( see Grim ’ s recommended reading list below ) — which cost a lot less than private therapy and can be tackled any time the parent has a scrap of free time .
Lawrence pointed out the more straightforward decompression benefits of encouraging older children to take breaks during the school day .
She said she wouldn ’ t push a child to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any one activity .
Mood changes , disruptive behavior , attention deficits and some physical complaints ( for example , headaches , stomach aches , sleep disturbances ) are potential signals that a child is struggling and may require additional support , several experts said .
There are developmental norms to be aware of — children tend to learn social and emotional skills on a certain trajectory or timeline .
However , individual circumstances — including parenting styles , socioeconomic factors and a child ’ s temperament and ability — can have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some children will inevitably develop faster or slower than what ’ s typical .
You don ’ t have to go it alone .
Lawrence urged parents to reach out to teachers and other education professionals .
They can advise generally on what ’ s developmentally appropriate , as well as potentially provide some more tailored guidance .
Your kids ’ teachers love them too , Lawrence said .
“ They ’ re resources to help really work and talk through those individual circumstances within your home .
And encourage you as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn what social and emotional programs their school already offers and potentially press for more , Schlund said .
She added : “ It ’ s really important to advocate and ask for.
” Here are some books recommended by child psychotherapist Macy Grim : • “ The Whole Brain Child , ” ( parents of children ages 3 to 10 ) by Dan Siegel • “ Brainstorm , ” ( parents of teens ages 12 and up ) by Dan Siegel • “ Siblings Without Rivalry , ” by Adele Faber and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So Kids Will Listen , ” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Samuel Rodas, 40, plays with son Adrian and daughter Karla on Father’s Day in Griffith Park. Parents can help with their children’s social and emotional learning while schooling remains remote.
Numbers can be multiplied, subtracted and squared in a vacuum, alone in a room. Books, too, on almost any subject, can be processed independently.
Emotions, on the other hand, are typically experienced — and learned — in context, among people, in a social environment.
That’s why some California parents are concerned that virtual learning, mandated in areas that have seen a spike in coronavirus cases, might impede their school-age children’s social and emotional learning. In addition to, or even more, than their academic growth.
Advertisement
Experts agree it’s not something to take lightly.
“For kids, even starting in preschool, social engagement with their peers is so crucial for them to develop a sense of self. And their world,” according to Macy Grim, a psychotherapist who specializes in working with young children.
But there are ways for parents to facilitate their children’s holistic development from home, according to several experts.
“Children will develop socially and emotionally in lots and lots of different contexts. School is not the only way, though it’s an important way, to learn social and emotional skills,” said Justina Schlund, director of field learning at the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, or CASEL.
California Back to school in a pandemic: Resources and news for parents The new school year of remote learning will bring unique challenges. Here are guides to help parents of school-age children navigate remote learning, as well as recent updates about education in Southern California.
What is social and emotional learning?
Social and emotional learning encompasses several complex concepts.
It’s a lifelong process “of learning about who you are, including your emotions and your identity, and also how you fit into the larger, broader world,” Schlund said.
Advertisement
She said it’s useful to think about it in terms of five core competencies:
Self-awareness. Self-management. Social awareness. Responsible decision-making. Relationship skills.
It’s key to distinguish it from social and emotional well-being, which is related but distinct, Schlund said.
If the sheer breadth of the concept is stress-inducing, take a deep breath. Like many aspects of our lives during the pandemic, it’s OK to aim for what’s realistic, instead of perfect.
Given the circumstances, it’s possible a child “might not reach what’s seen as typical, but if we see some growth, that is something to be happy about,” said Kahlila Lawrence, an instructor in the University of South Florida’s school psychology program.
Parents’ well-being matters
Learning to manage your own emotional state is crucial, several experts said.
Think about those airplane safety instructions that advise parents to put an oxygen mask on themselves before their children. It’s hard to help someone when you’re gasping for air — literally or metaphorically.
When “parents are anxious and they’re giving off that energy — kids are so sensitive to that, and they’re going to pick up on it,” said Grim, a clinical psychology instructor at Pepperdine University.
Modeling
Without peers to correct behavior and adults outside the home to model it, parents might have to be more conscientious of their status as role models.
“Parents are constantly teaching their kids, all the time,” Lawrence said. “Now we’re talking about parents who are saying, ‘OK, but how do I engage in more purposeful types of activities?’”
For younger kids, parents can simulate interactions children might have with kids their own age to teach important social concepts, like sharing and learning how to play fair, according to Lawrence. She offered the example of learning to share crayons back and forth. Your child might draw for a bit before you ask if you can hold the crayon — and be sure to say thank you if he or she gives it up graciously.
Checking in
Many teachers across the country start the day with morning meetings, according to Lawrence. “It’s just a way to check in on a regular basis.”
Parents can do the same thing by consistently talking to their kids as a way to make sure they have an outlet to express their fears, frustrations and joys. Schlund said it’s important to build the check-in into a reliable routine. It doesn’t have to be in the morning, but it should come at a similar time of day, she said.
The questions and style will look different based on the age of the child “because the older ones might look at you like, ‘OK, Mom, I told you I’m fine. Leave me alone,’” Lawrence said. Sometimes those conversations will be short.
“Sometimes you might get a little something, like, ‘I’m upset because I can’t see my friends. I’m tired of this,’ and then that can lead to additional conversations,” Lawrence added.
It can also be a place to proactively offer help, Schlund said. In addition to asking children how they are doing, you can ask what they specifically need to make the day a good one.
Stick to a schedule
Experts unanimously underscored the benefits of creating a routine. It creates a sense of normalcy and provides a sense of emotional safety, according to Schlund.
That means no more sleeping at different times each night and spending half of the day in pajamas — things some parents reported happening in spring when distance learning was thrust on their families amid the coronavirus pandemic.
While the pandemic has forced flexibility in many respects, Lawrence stressed, “Kids need routines. That’s very important.”
It will likely help that this fall Los Angeles Unified, the largest school district in the state, will follow a predictable schedule that somewhat mirrors a traditional school day.
Stressors will come; plan ahead
Parents don’t have to wait until their kids are in distress to try to come up with a solution, Schlund said.
Instead, they can think in advance about strategies that their children can work on and practice with them.
Schlund recommends creating a list of things they can do when they feel stressed out, such as going for a run or playing with a sibling. She said this can help children learn effective ways to manage their emotions — a central aspect of social and emotional learning.
Creative ways to connect
Just because your kids might not be able to play soccer with the gang or hug grandma doesn’t mean they can’t maintain relationships in some form.
Screens, the bane of some parents’ existence pre-COVID, can be a gateway to virtual hangouts that allow kids to stay connected to peers and relatives living outside the home. Some parents might consider expanding their quarantine bubble to include another family that is following similar health precautions.
There are also out-of-the-box methods to provide connection. Jesyka Lueck, a psychotherapist from Torrance, said she recently invited a neighbor to read stories to her 4-year-old son, Edison, through a glass window. Edison, who has an underlying medical condition that may make him susceptible to a serious case of COVID-19, has been largely isolated since the spring.
Play as therapy
Grim specializes in a type of child counseling known as play therapy. It’s a means of teaching young children how to recognize, identify, label and regulate their emotions using play.
“If an adult comes into the room and sits on the couch, they can talk about their feelings and their emotions. Kids can’t necessarily do that,” Grim said. “You can never sit a 3-year-old down on a couch and ask them about their feelings. So you use the means of play and metaphors and toys in order to speak their language.”
Parents with enough time and money can learn the basics of play therapy through something called filial therapy, Grim said. Acknowledging that it requires significant privilege to access, she said parents can still learn a lot through books and online resources (see Grim’s recommended reading list below) — which cost a lot less than private therapy and can be tackled any time the parent has a scrap of free time.
Lawrence pointed out the more straightforward decompression benefits of encouraging older children to take breaks during the school day. She said she wouldn’t push a child to work for more than an hour on any one activity.
When to worry
Mood changes, disruptive behavior, attention deficits and some physical complaints (for example, headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances) are potential signals that a child is struggling and may require additional support, several experts said.
Individual differences
There are developmental norms to be aware of — children tend to learn social and emotional skills on a certain trajectory or timeline. However, individual circumstances — including parenting styles, socioeconomic factors and a child’s temperament and ability — can have a large impact on social and emotional growth. Some children will inevitably develop faster or slower than what’s typical.
Lean on the experts — educators
You don’t have to go it alone. Lawrence urged parents to reach out to teachers and other education professionals. They can advise generally on what’s developmentally appropriate, as well as potentially provide some more tailored guidance.
Your kids’ teachers love them too, Lawrence said. “They’re resources to help really work and talk through those individual circumstances within your home. And encourage you as well.”
Parents can reach out to learn what social and emotional programs their school already offers and potentially press for more, Schlund said. She added: “It’s really important to advocate and ask for.”
Further reading
Here are some books recommended by child psychotherapist Macy Grim:


latimes--2020-08-13--Fire in Lake Hughes area destroys at least 3 structures

An army of firefighters toiled Thursday to prevent a massive fire from consuming communities in the Lake Hughes area after the blaze exploded to more than 10,000 acres in just a few hours .
Officials warned that containing the Lake fire — which started in the Angeles National Forest near the 5 Freeway on Wednesday and rapidly roared through stands of pine trees — will be a lengthy and arduous process .
The battle is made more difficult by rugged terrain and thick vegetation that , in some areas , hasn ’ t burned in several decades .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , ” Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said during a media briefing Thursday .
After igniting shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday , the fire moved toward several small communities on the Antelope Valley floor west of Lancaster .
On Wednesday night , it burned rapidly to the northeast , toward Highway 138 .
By sunrise Thursday , the blaze had chewed through 10,500 acres and destroyed three structures .
More than 5,000 buildings remain threatened , according to officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department .
L.A. County Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battled the blaze throughout the night .
“ We can say that many structures were saved because of the actions of the firefighters last night , ” he said .
“ They were up all night.
” The weather late Wednesday and early Thursday brought a welcome reprieve , with cloud cover and even an occasional drizzle in the burn area , but high temperatures in the afternoon continued to pose a challenge for firefighters .
L.A. County Fire Department public information officer Ron Haralson said Thursday afternoon that the fire was moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to pose a threat to the Lake Hughes and Three Points communities .
“ Now we ’ ve got high temperatures , and we ’ ve obviously got a lot of open flame in an area where we have fire activity , so we ’ re concerned about potential spot fires , ” he said .
The National Weather Service has issued in Southern California for Friday through Monday evening .
“ Today , hot air temperatures in the 90s to 100s , lower relative humidities and drying fuels will bring elevated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an incident update for the Lake fire Thursday morning .
They added that “ extreme and aggressive fire behavior ” was expected , exacerbated by the area ’ s steep topography , with spot fires and rapid growth of the blaze .
That combination of thick vegetation and hot , dry and windy conditions is fueling the fire , according to Seneca Smith , a public information officer with the Angeles National Forest .
“ Current objectives include keeping the fire north of Castaic Lake , south of Highway 138 , east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tule Ridge , ” officials wrote in the incident update .
More than 1,000 personnel , as well as several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft , have been deployed to the scene , with assistance provided by the L.A. County Fire Department , the Angeles National Forest and numerous fire departments in the area .
The cause of the fire is under investigation , but Osby said that “ over 90 % of fires are human caused ” every year , underscoring the need to be cautious and prepared .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , ” he said , “ and it ’ s going to be a very , very hot , dry weekend .
”

Lake Hughes fire is over 10,000 acres now
An army of firefighters toiled Thursday to prevent a massive fire from consuming communities in the Lake Hughes area after the blaze exploded to more than 10,000 acres in just a few hours.
Officials warned that containing the Lake fire — which started in the Angeles National Forest near the 5 Freeway on Wednesday and rapidly roared through stands of pine trees — will be a lengthy and arduous process. The battle is made more difficult by rugged terrain and thick vegetation that in some areas, hasn’t burned in several decades.
“This will be a major fire for several days,” Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said during a media briefing Thursday.
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After igniting shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, the fire moved toward several small communities on the Antelope Valley floor west of Lancaster, causing officials to order evacuations. On Wednesday night, it burned rapidly to the northeast, toward Highway 138.
By sunrise Thursday, the blaze had chewed through 10,500 acres and destroyed three structures. The fire was 11,000 acres and 5% contained as of 7 p.m. More than 5,000 buildings remain threatened, according to officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
1 / 24 A firefighting helicopter makes an approach to drop water on the Ranch 2 fire in the hills above a cluster of homes along the San Gabriel River near Azusa. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 24 LAKE HUGHES, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 15, 2020-Firefighters from the Santa Barbara County strike team tput out hot spots from the Lake Fire along Pine Canyon Road in Lake Hughes Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 24 A house sits alone as the Lake Fire creeps its way up the hill towards Palmdale Friday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 24 The Ranch fire burns in the hills above a cluster of homes along the San Gabriel River. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 24 A man walks by a row of homes as the Ranch Fire burns in the hills of Azusa Thursday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 6 / 24 The Ranch fire burns in the hills above a cluster of homes along the San Gabriel River near Azusa on Thursday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 24 A Cal Fire helicopter makes a water crop on the Skyline fire behind homes on Clearing Lane in Corona. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 24 People watch smoke and flames rising from the Ranch Fire in the San Gabriel mountains above Azusa. (Apu Gomes / AFP ) 9 / 24 A firefighter battles the smoke and flames from the Ranch Fire in the hills in Azusa. (Apu Gomes / AFP ) 10 / 24 The Lake Hughes fire burns vehicles in Angeles National Forest. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/ Associaited Press ) 11 / 24 Firefighters battle the Lake Hughes fire in Angeles National Forest. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/ Associaited Press ) 12 / 24 Firefighters battle the Lake Hughes fire in Angeles National Forest. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/ Associaited Press ) 13 / 24 Firefighters battle the Lake Hughes fire in Angeles National Forest o (Ringo H.W. Chiu/ Associated Press ) 14 / 24 Firefighters battle the Lake Hughes fire in Angeles National Forest. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/ Associaited Press ) 15 / 24 Los Angeles County Firefighter Brandon Smith runs hose through a burned out home to complete mop-up in the Lake Fire. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 24 A scorched statue stands in front of a home on Pine Canyon Road destroyed by fire along Pine Canyon in the Lake Hughes area. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 17 / 24 The smoldering remains of a home on Pine Canyon Road that was destroyed by the Lake fire. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 24 Melted metal from a car destroyed by the Lake fire on Pine Canyon Road. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) 19 / 24 A home burns along Pine Canyon Road near Lake Hughes early Thursday after the Lake fire burned thousands of acres. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 24 A helicopter makes a water drop along a ridge near Lake Hughes after the Lake fire burned thousands of acres. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 24 A truck sits along Pine Canyon Road near Lake Hughes early Thursday after the Lake fire burned thousands of acres. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 24 A helicopter makes a water drop on the fast-moving Lake fire near Lake Hughes. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 24 The fast-moving Lake fire blacked thousands of acres near Lake Hughes. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 24 Fire crews prepare to battle the Lake fire in Northern Los Angeles County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said crews had battled the blaze throughout Wednesday night.
“We can say that many structures were saved because of the actions of the firefighters last night,” he said. “They were up all night.”
California Lake fire: Evacuation zones, road closures, shelters Evacuation zones, road closures and shelters for pets and people fleeing the Lake fire in the Santa Clarita Valley.
The weather late Wednesday and early Thursday brought a welcome reprieve, with cloud cover and even an occasional drizzle in the burn area, but high temperatures in the afternoon continued to pose a challenge for firefighters.
Advertisement
L.A. County Fire Department public information officer Ron Haralson said Thursday afternoon that the fire was moving mostly to the north and northeast and continues to pose a threat to the Lake Hughes and Three Points communities.
“Now we’ve got high temperatures, and we’ve obviously got a lot of open flame in an area where we have fire activity, so we’re concerned about potential spot fires,” he said.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings in Southern California for Friday through Monday evening.
“Today, hot air temperatures in the 90s to 100s, lower relative humidities and drying fuels will bring elevated fire weather conditions,” officials wrote in an incident update for the Lake fire Thursday morning. They added that “extreme and aggressive fire behavior” was expected, exacerbated by the area’s steep topography, with spot fires and rapid growth of the blaze.
That combination of thick vegetation and hot, dry and windy conditions is fueling the fire, according to Seneca Smith, a public information officer with the Angeles National Forest.
“Current objectives include keeping the fire north of Castaic Lake, south of Highway 138, east of Red Rock Mountain and west of Tule Ridge,” officials wrote in the incident update.
More than 1,000 personnel, as well as several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, have been deployed to the scene, with assistance provided by the L.A. County Fire Department, the Angeles National Forest and numerous fire departments in the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Osby said that “over 90% of fires are human caused” every year, underscoring the need to be cautious and prepared.
“It’s going to be a hot, dry summer,” he said, “and it’s going to be a very, very hot, dry weekend.”


latimes--2020-08-13--California's migrant farmworkers face evictions with no safety net amid pandemic

Three weeks ago on a Saturday evening , Irma Barbosa was startled by a knock on her door in this San Joaquin Valley town .
It was the landlord ’ s son .
She was two months behind on her rent .
As she stood in the faded yellow threshold of her $ 300 unit , which lacks running water and is nearly entirely filled by a twin bed , he told her to be gone by 5 a.m. the next day , she said .
Barbosa speaks little English , lacks immigration documents and was panicked at the thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said through an interpreter .
With jobs scarce because of the pandemic and while suffering from a work injury , she has been unable to return to the packing plants where she has earned a living for 12 years .
Nor can she return to her off-season job at the auto parts factory where she hurt her knee while filling boxes .
She had offered to pay rent in installments , but the landlord wouldn ’ t let her , she said .
Like many of the 1.6 million workers in California without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her rights and hesitant to fight the unlawful eviction .
On the advice of an acquaintance , she refused to leave that Sunday morning , but she is fearful she could be forced out at any moment .
“ It feels bad , but I leave it to God , ” she said recently .
As California searches for ways to avoid an “ eviction cliff ” caused by the economic devastation of the coronavirus , including an eviction moratorium currently in place , immigrants such as Barbosa are bearing the brunt of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help , advocates say .
At the same time , many are falling ill with COVID-19 while also enduring the largest wage losses amid the pandemic-triggered recession .
In San Joaquin and other rural counties , these workers often live in spaces not meant for human habitation — basement rooms with metal-grilled vents for windows , trailers parked on dirt roads that don ’ t exist on official maps .
Barbosa ’ s home , she was told by a previous tenant , was originally a closet that was walled off from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their immigration status will be used against them if they don ’ t comply with landlords , and they have little access to either legal advice or government aid .
Federal relief funds that sent $ 1,200 stimulus payments to Americans excluded most of these families .
Workers living here illegally are also excluded from unemployment and many other benefits , though in April , Gov .
Gavin Newsom allocated $ 75 million in state funds meant to give up to $ 1,000 to 150,000 immigrants without legal status .
The state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend its eviction ban until the end of the month , preventing court-sanctioned ousters , but such safeguards are not honored in this shadow market , said Luis Magana , an advocate in Stockton who is trying to help Barbosa .
Over a 10-year period from 2007 to 2017 , there were nearly 38,000 eviction cases in San Joaquin County courts , according to statistics from Faith in the Valley , a nonprofit , but the organization estimates twice that number of unofficial evictions took place during the same period .
“ These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that feel they have nowhere to turn , ” said Assemblyman Robert Rivas ( D-Hollister ) , who is pushing a series of bills to help farmworkers and is the grandson of an agricultural laborer himself .
“ These are people that stay quiet and many , as we are learning , are choosing to just self-evict , to just become homeless , to prematurely leave a property , and this is a huge problem.
” Mass displacement of immigrant workers could leave thousands of families homeless , and it probably would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s agricultural , construction and service industries , advocates contend , especially here in the Central Valley , where many crops are ready for harvest .
Nearly 80 % of California ’ s workers without legal status are in jobs deemed essential , according to a UCLA study released Monday , and on average these laborers lost 25 % of their wages between February and April — more than any other demographic of employees .
Workers living in California illegally make up about 9 % of the total workforce and had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May — nearly 30 % — of any group in the study .
“ The gross injustice of how we treat immigrants has become very clear , not only from a moral point of view but from an economic point of view , ” said Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda , an associate professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at UCLA and author of the study .
If the state hopes to reopen its economy , it will need these workers , he said .
“ You are not going to be able to get them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty situation where they are going to disappear.
” One of those uncertain of her economic future is Maria , a farmworker in the Merced County town of Dos Palos who asked that her last name not be used because she is in the U.S. illegally .
Her husband , Israel , has worked at a dairy for nearly 10 years , with the dairy owner providing a free trailer for the family to live in and a salary of about $ 450 a week .
Falling milk prices from the downturn forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new operator has taken over , she said .
The new landlady is demanding they either leave by the end of the month or pay $ 650 rent and a deposit .
The landlady gave Maria a rental agreement written in English , which she can ’ t read , but which includes a provision that says the landlady must be informed in writing if the family is away for more than seven days and can evict them if they are gone for more than two weeks with any rent outstanding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would also keep the family ’ s possessions if they were evicted .
“ I am not too sure exactly how it says it , but that is how I understood it , ” Maria said .
“ I think that she ’ s probably in her right to demand what she wants because she is the owner.
” Maria , who is currently picking grapes for work , has two children ages 5 and 10 and sometimes must travel with them for weeks at a time to other places as different crops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction job in the Bay Area last week .
She can ’ t find another rental they can afford but is also scared to stay under the new terms , she said .
“ I understand that I would be paying $ 1,200 or maybe more to find a house anywhere else , ” Maria said , adding that many others are in a similar situation .
“ So I really want people to see that somebody needs to do something to lower the rent.
” Janine Nkosi , a sociology lecturer at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of Maria ’ s family in which a home is tied to a job are common for farmworkers .
“ Once they lose their employment , they lose their housing , ” Nkosi said .
Though the majority of Latino essential workers are renters , the economic crisis is threatening even those who have purchased homes .
Norma Arias , 59 , worked as a waitress nearly her whole life , saving enough for a down payment on a home in Taft in 2008 .
She liked that the home had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rooms warm at night .
In 2013 , just after returning home from a shift , she suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on one side and in a wheelchair .
Her son , Samuel , a farmworker , has been living with her , helping to pay the mortgage .
But a rainy season followed by the coronavirus outbreak has left him with few hours in the almond orchards .
They are now three months behind on the mortgage , and the bank is threatening foreclosure in August if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Though she said she has tried asking the lender for help , she is overwhelmed by the process — she has no car , and even making copies of papers to send to the bank involves a long journey in the wheelchair .
“ I am stressed and fearful , ” she said , adding that she and her son have nowhere to go if they lose the house .
For many farmworkers , the eviction threat looms largest if they contract COVID-19 , can ’ t work and lose wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down with the disease in July ; she believes she was infected while riding in a crowded van to a farm in Napa .
She has no family to help her and became so sick that her landlady called an ambulance for her .
Though she is recovering , she has been unemployed for about a month .
Her biggest worry , she said with a simple one-word answer , is dinero , money .
Sitting under a narrow overhang at the front door of her apartment with an oxygen tube around her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know when she will be able to return to work or how she will catch up on her rent , already overdue .
Imelda Garcia , 44 , lives a few blocks away with her two kids and has worked with Castillo this summer .
A single mother , she said she is terrified of what will happen to her children if she falls ill and can ’ t pay her $ 600 rent .
A few weeks ago , her children ’ s uncle , a carwash worker , died of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would attend junior college this fall , she is taking him to the fields with her instead so he can learn the work “ in case I die , ” she said .
Right now , she is clearing brush in blueberry fields with a crew that has agreed to socially distance in their personal lives to protect one another , but she fears what conditions will be like in her next job , wherever it may be .
She shrugs in resignation when asked what kind of aid would be most useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support essential workers during the pandemic .
She does not believe there is or will be protection for families such as hers that lack legal status .
“ Who will help ?
” she asked , as if it was a rhetorical question .

Three weeks ago on a Saturday evening, Irma Barbosa was startled by a knock on her door in this San Joaquin Valley town.
It was the landlord’s son. She was two months behind on her rent.
As she stood in the faded yellow threshold of her $300 unit, which lacks running water and is nearly entirely filled by a twin bed, he told her to be gone by 5 a.m. the next day, she said.
Barbosa speaks little English, lacks immigration documents and was panicked at the thought of being homeless within hours, she said through an interpreter. With jobs scarce because of the pandemic and while suffering from a work injury, she has been unable to return to the packing plants where she has earned a living for 12 years. Nor can she return to her off-season job at the auto parts factory where she hurt her knee while filling boxes. She had offered to pay rent in installments, but the landlord wouldn’t let her, she said.
Like many of the 1.6 million workers in California without legal status, Barbosa was uncertain of her rights and hesitant to fight the unlawful eviction. On the advice of an acquaintance, she refused to leave that Sunday morning, but she is fearful she could be forced out at any moment.
“It feels bad, but I leave it to God,” she said recently.
As California searches for ways to avoid an “eviction cliff” caused by the economic devastation of the coronavirus, including an eviction moratorium currently in place, immigrants such as Barbosa are bearing the brunt of the crisis with the least access to help, advocates say. At the same time, many are falling ill with COVID-19 while also enduring the largest wage losses amid the pandemic-triggered recession.
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In San Joaquin and other rural counties, these workers often live in spaces not meant for human habitation — basement rooms with metal-grilled vents for windows, trailers parked on dirt roads that don’t exist on official maps. Barbosa’s home, she was told by a previous tenant, was originally a closet that was walled off from the main house.
They are scared that their immigration status will be used against them if they don’t comply with landlords, and they have little access to either legal advice or government aid. Federal relief funds that sent $1,200 stimulus payments to Americans excluded most of these families. Workers living here illegally are also excluded from unemployment and many other benefits, though in April, Gov. Gavin Newsom allocated $75 million in state funds meant to give up to $1,000 to 150,000 immigrants without legal status.
The state’s Judicial Council is expected Thursday to extend its eviction ban until the end of the month, preventing court-sanctioned ousters, but such safeguards are not honored in this shadow market, said Luis Magana, an advocate in Stockton who is trying to help Barbosa.
Over a 10-year period from 2007 to 2017, there were nearly 38,000 eviction cases in San Joaquin County courts, according to statistics from Faith in the Valley, a nonprofit, but the organization estimates twice that number of unofficial evictions took place during the same period.
“These are vulnerable workers that feel absolutely hopeless, that feel they have nowhere to turn,” said Assemblyman Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), who is pushing a series of bills to help farmworkers and is the grandson of an agricultural laborer himself. “These are people that stay quiet and many, as we are learning, are choosing to just self-evict, to just become homeless, to prematurely leave a property, and this is a huge problem.”
Mass displacement of immigrant workers could leave thousands of families homeless, and it probably would hammer the already-fragile labor market for California’s agricultural, construction and service industries, advocates contend, especially here in the Central Valley, where many crops are ready for harvest.
Nearly 80% of California’s workers without legal status are in jobs deemed essential, according to a UCLA study released Monday, and on average these laborers lost 25% of their wages between February and April — more than any other demographic of employees. Workers living in California illegally make up about 9% of the total workforce and had the highest rate of unemployment between February and May — nearly 30% — of any group in the study.
“The gross injustice of how we treat immigrants has become very clear, not only from a moral point of view but from an economic point of view,” said Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda, an associate professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at UCLA and author of the study.
If the state hopes to reopen its economy, it will need these workers, he said. “You are not going to be able to get them back if you have basically created a poverty situation where they are going to disappear.”
One of those uncertain of her economic future is Maria, a farmworker in the Merced County town of Dos Palos who asked that her last name not be used because she is in the U.S. illegally. Her husband, Israel, has worked at a dairy for nearly 10 years, with the dairy owner providing a free trailer for the family to live in and a salary of about $450 a week.
Falling milk prices from the downturn forced the dairy owner to close, and a new operator has taken over, she said. The new landlady is demanding they either leave by the end of the month or pay $650 rent and a deposit.
The landlady gave Maria a rental agreement written in English, which she can’t read, but which includes a provision that says the landlady must be informed in writing if the family is away for more than seven days and can evict them if they are gone for more than two weeks with any rent outstanding. Maria said the new landlady explained she would also keep the family’s possessions if they were evicted.
“I am not too sure exactly how it says it, but that is how I understood it,” Maria said. “I think that she’s probably in her right to demand what she wants because she is the owner.”
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Maria, who is currently picking grapes for work, has two children ages 5 and 10 and sometimes must travel with them for weeks at a time to other places as different crops need harvesting. Israel just started a construction job in the Bay Area last week. She can’t find another rental they can afford but is also scared to stay under the new terms, she said.
“I understand that I would be paying $1,200 or maybe more to find a house anywhere else,” Maria said, adding that many others are in a similar situation. “So I really want people to see that somebody needs to do something to lower the rent.”
Janine Nkosi, a sociology lecturer at Cal State Fresno, said arrangements like that of Maria’s family in which a home is tied to a job are common for farmworkers. “Once they lose their employment, they lose their housing,” Nkosi said.
World & Nation COVID-19 strikes Washington state farmworkers and swamps rural hospitals Jamaican farmer Earl Edwards died Friday in quarantine housing for foreign laborers in Washington state, where he worked in a cherry-packing facility. A coronavirus outbreak at one of Washington state’s largest fruit farms has renewed concern for agricultural workers, who live and work in close quarters.
Though the majority of Latino essential workers are renters, the economic crisis is threatening even those who have purchased homes. Norma Arias, 59, worked as a waitress nearly her whole life, saving enough for a down payment on a home in Taft in 2008. She liked that the home had a wraparound porch and new carpet that kept the rooms warm at night.
In 2013, just after returning home from a shift, she suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on one side and in a wheelchair. Her son, Samuel, a farmworker, has been living with her, helping to pay the mortgage. But a rainy season followed by the coronavirus outbreak has left him with few hours in the almond orchards. They are now three months behind on the mortgage, and the bank is threatening foreclosure in August if they do not pay $4,000, Arias said.
Though she said she has tried asking the lender for help, she is overwhelmed by the process — she has no car, and even making copies of papers to send to the bank involves a long journey in the wheelchair.
“I am stressed and fearful,” she said, adding that she and her son have nowhere to go if they lose the house.
For many farmworkers, the eviction threat looms largest if they contract COVID-19, can’t work and lose wages.
Josefa Castillo, a farmworker in Lodi, contracted COVID-19 in July and has been out of work since. (Anita Chabria)
Josefa Castillo, 63, came down with the disease in July; she believes she was infected while riding in a crowded van to a farm in Napa. She has no family to help her and became so sick that her landlady called an ambulance for her. Though she is recovering, she has been unemployed for about a month.
Her biggest worry, she said with a simple one-word answer, is dinero, money. Sitting under a narrow overhang at the front door of her apartment with an oxygen tube around her neck, Castillo said she does not know when she will be able to return to work or how she will catch up on her rent, already overdue.
Imelda Garcia, 44, lives a few blocks away with her two kids and has worked with Castillo this summer. A single mother, she said she is terrified of what will happen to her children if she falls ill and can’t pay her $600 rent. A few weeks ago, her children’s uncle, a carwash worker, died of COVID-19.
Lodi farmworker Imelda Garcia fears what will happen to her kids if she contracts COVID-19. (Anita Chabria)
Though she hoped her 17-year-old son would attend junior college this fall, she is taking him to the fields with her instead so he can learn the work “in case I die,” she said. Right now, she is clearing brush in blueberry fields with a crew that has agreed to socially distance in their personal lives to protect one another, but she fears what conditions will be like in her next job, wherever it may be.
She shrugs in resignation when asked what kind of aid would be most useful to her, what government could do to support essential workers during the pandemic. She does not believe there is or will be protection for families such as hers that lack legal status.
“Who will help?” she asked, as if it was a rhetorical question.


latimes--2020-08-13--Beach baptisms draw large gatherings to the shore

The Southern California coast has always been a draw .
On Friday nights at locations scattered along the Orange County coast , hundreds of Christian faithful have been gathering , raising their hands skyward and , for some , stepping into the cool Pacific to be baptized .
Parker and Jessi Green had been planning Saturate OC for more than a year and initially planned to host it at the Hyatt hotel , but then the coronavirus pandemic put an indefinite end to large indoor gatherings , they said .
They held their first event at Huntington Beach on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance grow every week , surpassing their expectations , they said .
“ They kind of put us between a rock and a hard place because they ’ re saying churches , as a whole , that they can ’ t meet inside buildings because of the health codes , to go outside , ” Jessi Green said .
“ So we ’ re just trying to find places to go outside to share the Gospel and practice our religion , but then we ’ re being told the public city beach is @ @ @ @ @

The Southern California coast has always been a draw.
On Friday nights at locations scattered along the Orange County coast, hundreds of Christian faithful have been gathering, raising their hands skyward and, for some, stepping into the cool Pacific to be baptized.
Parker and Jessi Green had been planning Saturate OC for more than a year and initially planned to host it at the Hyatt hotel, but then the coronavirus pandemic put an indefinite end to large indoor gatherings, they said. They held their first event at Huntington Beach on July 3, and they’ve seen attendance grow every week, surpassing their expectations, they said.
“They kind of put us between a rock and a hard place because they’re saying churches, as a whole, that they can’t meet inside buildings because of the health codes, to go outside,” Jessi Green said. “So we’re just trying to find places to go outside to share the Gospel and practice our religion, but then we’re being told the public city beach is not an option.”
Like minded
Megan Gonzalez, center, of Seal Beach and Heidi Foster, left, of Huntington Beach raise their arms in praise during the Saturate OC gathering in Newport Beach. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
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Helping hands
Two young men are baptized near 13th Street in Newport Beach by members of Saturate OC. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Pirate’s Cove
Saturate OC, which is made up of over 60 churches from California and beyond, gather at Corona del Mar State Beach, to pray and perform baptisms. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Family affair
Members of the Gomez family, including mom Elysse, center, holding baby Rylan, and daughter Rowyn, age 3½, praying at right, gather at Corona del Mar State Beach for Saturate OC. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Connection
Members of the religious group Saturate OC prepare to baptize a man at Corona del Mar State Beach in Newport Harbor. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Rebirth
A man is baptized at Newport Beach by members of Saturate OC. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Christian faithful
Baptisms are performed in the surf at Newport Beach. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
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“We started over a year ago. We just wanted to bring people together to share the gospel.” — Parker Green, organizer of the recurring event
Parker Green, of Costa Mesa, started the religious group called Saturate OC, which is made up of over 60 churches from California and beyond. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Nighttime celebration
Jessi Green, foreground, and her husband Parker had been planning Saturate OC for more than a year. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)