latimes--2020-05-28--California's top court limits what government may charge for public records

California ’ s Public Records Act prohibits the government from charging people for the cost of editing out exempt material in public records they ’ ve requested , the California Supreme Court decided unanimously Thursday .
The case stemmed from a request by the San Francisco chapter of the National Lawyers Guild for public records related to a 2014 Berkeley protest over decisions not to indict police officers involved in the deaths of two unarmed African American men .
Hayward police helped Berkeley in trying to control the protest , and the lawyers guild filed a request with the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police actions .
The city later charged the guild more than $ 3,000 for the time spent editing out exempt material from digital body camera footage .
The lawyers group sued , winning in the trial court and losing in the intermediate court of appeal .
Justice Leondra R. Kruger , writing for the state ’ s highest court , said charging people for redaction costs “ would make it more difficult for the public to access information kept in electronic format.
” “ Redaction costs could well prove prohibitively expensive for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altogether , ” Kruger wrote .
“ Even if higher costs to the agency mean slower disclosure rates or greater inconvenience to the requester , these burdens on access are insignificant if the alternative is no access at all.
” Hayward had told the court that a city employee had spent more than 35 hours redacting exempt information to comply with the public information request .
Requests for body camera footage challenge government agencies with limited resources , the city argued .
“ We do not doubt the point , ” Kruger wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential to invade personal privacy , as well as to jeopardize other important public interests that the [ Public Records Act ] exemptions were designed to protect.
” The court said it was up to the Legislature to decide whether the “ unique burdens associated with producing body camera footage warrant special funding mechanisms.
” Amitai Schwartz , who represented the lawyers guild , said he doubted the Legislature would step in to allow city and counties to charge hefty sums for law enforcement videos , given the intense controversy over police shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Hayward in 2018 , “ many police departments started charging exorbitant fees to process requests for the police videos , including requiring deposits before they would even start working on them , ” Schwartz said .
The practice was making police videos “ completely inaccessible to the public , ” he added .
The lawyer who represented Hayward in the case could not immediately be reached for comment .
Hayward spokesman Chuck Finnie said the city had no comment on the ruling .
Government agencies sided with Hayward in the case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Los Angeles Times , argued on behalf of the lawyers guild .
The Berkeley protest was triggered by the failure of grand juries to indict police officers involved in the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown Jr .
Protesters later accused Berkeley and Hayward police of clubbing and gassing them .
Garner , 44 , died July 17 , 2014 , after a New York City police officer put him in a chokehold while arresting him .
A coroner determined his death was a homicide , but a grand jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 18 , was shot to death by a white police officer in August , 2014 , in Ferguson , Mo.
, a suburb of St. Louis .

Justice Leondra R. Kruger wrote the ruling that prevents governmental agencies from charging people for redacting information in public records they’ve requested.
California’s Public Records Act prohibits the government from charging people for the cost of editing out exempt material in public records they’ve requested, the California Supreme Court decided unanimously Thursday.
The case stemmed from a request by the San Francisco chapter of the National Lawyers Guild for public records related to a 2014 Berkeley protest over decisions not to indict police officers involved in the deaths of two unarmed African American men.
Hayward police helped Berkeley in trying to control the protest, and the lawyers guild filed a request with the city of Hayward for public information on its police actions. The city later charged the guild more than $3,000 for the time spent editing out exempt material from digital body camera footage.
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The lawyers group sued, winning in the trial court and losing in the intermediate court of appeal.
Justice Leondra R. Kruger, writing for the state’s highest court, said charging people for redaction costs “would make it more difficult for the public to access information kept in electronic format.”
“Redaction costs could well prove prohibitively expensive for some requesters, barring them from accessing records altogether,” Kruger wrote. “Even if higher costs to the agency mean slower disclosure rates or greater inconvenience to the
requester, these burdens on access are insignificant if the alternative is no access at all.”
Hayward had told the court that a city employee had spent more than 35 hours redacting exempt information to comply with the public information request. Requests for body camera footage challenge government agencies with limited resources, the city argued.
“We do not doubt the point,” Kruger wrote. “Video footage has a unique potential to invade personal privacy, as well as to
jeopardize other important public interests that the [Public Records Act] exemptions were designed to protect.”
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The court said it was up to the Legislature to decide whether the “unique burdens associated with producing body camera footage warrant special funding mechanisms.”
Amitai Schwartz, who represented the lawyers guild, said he doubted the Legislature would step in to allow cities and counties to charge hefty sums for law enforcement videos, given the intense controversy over police shootings.
After the court of appeal ruled for Hayward in 2018, “many police departments started charging exorbitant fees to process requests for the police videos, including requiring deposits before they would even start working on them,” Schwartz said. The practice was making police videos “completely inaccessible to the public,” he added.
The lawyer who represented Hayward in the case could not immediately be reached for comment. Hayward spokesman Chuck Finnie said the city had no comment on the ruling.
Government agencies sided with Hayward in the case, and civil libertarians and media groups, including the Los Angeles Times, argued on behalf of the lawyers guild.
The Berkeley protest was triggered by the failure of grand juries to indict police officers involved in the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown Jr. Protesters later accused Berkeley and Hayward police of clubbing and gassing them.
Garner, 44, died July 17, 2014, after a New York City police officer put him in a chokehold while arresting him. A coroner determined his death was a homicide, but a grand jury refused to indict the officer.
Brown, 18, was shot to death by a white police officer in August 2014 in Ferguson, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.


latimes--2020-05-28--Earthquake: 3.5 quake near Soledad, Calif.

A magnitude-3.5 earthquake was reported Thursday at 12:19 p.m. 11 miles from Soledad , Calif. , according to the U.S. Geological Survey .
The earthquake occurred 13 miles from Hollister , Calif. , 17 miles from Salinas , 20 miles from Prunedale , Calif. , and 20 miles from Greenfield , Calif .
In the past 10 days , there have been two earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby .
An average of 234 earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.0 to 4.0 occur each year in California and Nevada , according to a recent three-year data sample .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles .
Did you feel this earthquake ?
Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS .
Even if you didn ’ t feel this small earthquake , you never know when the Big One is going to strike .
Ready yourself by following our five-step earthquake preparedness guide and building your own emergency kit .
This story was automatically generated by Quakebot , a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS .
A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published .
If you ’ re interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit our list of frequently asked questions .

A magnitude-3.5 earthquake was reported at 12:19 p.m. near Soledad, Calif., according to the USGS.
A magnitude-3.5 earthquake was reported Thursday at 12:19 p.m. 11 miles from Soledad, Calif., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake occurred 13 miles from Hollister, Calif., 17 miles from Salinas, 20 miles from Prunedale, Calif., and 20 miles from Greenfield, Calif.
In the past 10 days, there have been two earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby.
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An average of 234 earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.0 to 4.0 occur each year in California and Nevada, according to a recent three-year data sample.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 7.2 miles. Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS.
Even if you didn’t feel this small earthquake, you never know when the Big One is going to strike. Ready yourself by following our five-step earthquake preparedness guide and building your own emergency kit.
This story was automatically generated by Quakebot, a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS. A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published. If you’re interested in learning more about the system, visit our list of frequently asked questions.


latimes--2020-05-28--After K-9 is stabbed, Fullerton police shoot and kill knife-wielding man

A man armed with a knife was fatally shot by police after he stabbed a police dog in Fullerton late Wednesday , authorities said .
Fullerton police officers responded to 911 call reporting domestic violence at a home in the 3600 block of West Avenue about 10 p.m .
The caller said the assailant pulled a knife on two teenage children who tried to intervene during the incident inside the home , according to Sgt .
Eric Bridges .
As officers were on their way , they were told that the suspect had obtained a handgun and fired multiple rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , several family members ran from the property .
Seconds later , a man walked out of the house holding a knife , Bridges said .
“ Numerous commands to drop the knife were given , but the suspect refused to do so , ” Bridges wrote in a statement .
Officers released a police dog when the man , still armed with the knife , tried to reenter the house , where other family members were still inside .
The man stabbed the dog , and at least one officer opened fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose name has not been released , was taken to a hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
The police dog was taken to a veterinary hospital and underwent emergency surgery .
The Fullerton Police Department currently has four K-9s — Mueller , Jax , Rotar and Titan .
Authorities have not released the name of the dog that was injured .
He is , however , expected to make a full recovery , Bridges said Thursday .

A knife was recovered at the scene of a police shooting in Fullerton late Wednesday.
A man armed with a knife was fatally shot by police after he stabbed a police dog in Fullerton late Wednesday, authorities said.
Fullerton police officers responded to 911 call reporting domestic violence at a home in the 3600 block of West Avenue about 10 p.m. The caller said the assailant pulled a knife on two teenage children who tried to intervene during the incident inside the home, according to Sgt. Eric Bridges.
As officers were on their way, they were told that the suspect had obtained a handgun and fired multiple rounds. When police arrived at the home, several family members ran from the property. Seconds later, a man walked out of the house holding a knife, Bridges said.
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“Numerous commands to drop the knife were given, but the suspect refused to do so,” Bridges wrote in a statement.
Officers released a police dog when the man, still armed with the knife, tried to reenter the house, where other family members were still inside. The man stabbed the dog, and at least one officer opened fire, Bridges said.
The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The police dog was taken to a veterinary hospital and underwent emergency surgery. The Fullerton Police Department currently has four K-9s — Mueller, Jax, Rotar and Titan. Authorities have not released the name of the dog that was injured. He is, however, expected to make a full recovery, Bridges said Thursday.


latimes--2020-05-28--Coronavirus cases spiked after these counties reopened. Now, officials are scaling back

Sonoma County was one of the first regions in California to begin reopening after months of restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus .
Public health officials loosened constraints on construction , car sales and landscaping services in early May .
A week later , they began allowing retail stores to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery .
Last week , outdoor dining , summer camps , drive-in religious services and other ceremonies were allowed to resume .
Then , coronavirus cases began rising again , forcing officials to slow the county ’ s efforts to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus in the last 14 days , doubling its case rate in that time from 20 per 100,000 residents to 41 per 100,000 , the county ’ s health officer , Dr. Sundari Mase , said .
On Wednesday , Mase reported nine new cases , bringing the total number of infections in Sonoma to 524 .
The county has reported four deaths since the pandemic began .
One area officials are particularly concerned about is the increase in instances of the virus being transmitted between people who have recently returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve also seen , over the weekend , a few more hospitalizations that make us worried that we might be seeing more COVID in our vulnerable populations , ” she said .
Nearly 300 miles away in Lassen County , officials are taking an even more hard-line approach after seeing the county ’ s first confirmed COVID-19 cases this week .
For months , the remote county of roughly 30,000 bordering Nevada had prided itself on being untouched by the coronavirus .
However , tests conducted last week confirmed that two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected with the virus .
The county began testing those who had been in contact with the pair and found that two other individuals had been infected , officials said this week .
In response , Lassen County health officials on Tuesday decided to walk back previously loosened restrictions on certain businesses and services .
Restaurants will be restricted to curbside pickup and delivery only .
Salons will remain closed , and no in-person religious services will be permitted .
In-store shopping will also not be allowed under the county ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county ’ s public health officer , said officials were aware of the possibility that the virus could eventually come into the community , either from a resident traveling outside the region or from someone visiting .
“ Unfortunately , this did happen , and we now have a serious problem , ” Korver wrote in his most recent health order .
“ We need to contain the spread of the virus in Lassen County now.
” The move by the two counties comes after Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced that large swaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third stage of reopening .
While Sonoma County was given the green light by the state to reopen in-store retail , hair salons and places of worship under the state ’ s latest guidance , public health officials say the region will not amend its shelter-in-place order to include those services for now .
“ We understand these measures are not easy or convenient , ” Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Susan Gorin said .
“ We look forward to a time when Sonoma County is fully open for business , recreation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rumble , chief executive of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber , told the Press Democrat that Mase ’ s decision to slow reopening has frustrated the business community , many of whom are eager and willing to do anything to resume economic activity in the area .
“ I understand the decision was based on the data that she established — understand that aspect of it , ” he told the newspaper .
“ At the same time , I understand that a lot of businesses have developed practices that will keep their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clients and the public safe.
” The situation in Sonona and Lassen counties offers a cautionary tale as California reopens its economy .
Experts have said coronavirus cases could easily spike without social distancing and other safety precautions , and health officials have said counties must examine new cases closely to watch for any upticks that might require tighter stay-at-home rules .
Smaller counties opened earlier than urban ones , where officials have been concerned about new outbreaks .
Los Angeles County , which has seen more than 2,200 coronavirus deaths , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach .
“ There is a lot at stake as we reopen , ” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday .
“ More people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19 — just more cases and likely more hospitalizations and deaths .
This is why it couldn ’ t be more important for us to take care of each other when we ’ re out of our homes.
” Dr. Sara Cody , health officer for Santa Clara County and a key architect of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this week criticized California ’ s increasingly fast pace of lifting stay-at-home restrictions .
Cody expressed concerns that California risks a surge in cases if it reopens too many sectors of society too quickly .
Reopening so fast , she said , means there isn ’ t enough time to implement new procedures to make reopened activities safe .

The Buena Vista Winery sits empty in Sonoma on April 1. Sonoma County has reported 203 new cases of the coronavirus in the last 14 days and is putting the brakes on its reopening plan.
Sonoma County was one of the first regions in California to begin reopening after months of restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus.
Public health officials loosened constraints on construction, car sales and landscaping services in early May. A week later, they began allowing retail stores to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery. Last week, outdoor dining, summer camps, drive-in religious services and other ceremonies were allowed to resume.
Then, coronavirus cases began rising again, forcing officials to slow the county’s efforts to reopen.
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Sonoma County has reported 203 new cases of the virus in the last 14 days, doubling its case rate in that time from 20 per 100,000 residents to 41 per 100,000, the county’s health officer, Dr. Sundari Mase, said.
On Wednesday, Mase reported nine new cases, bringing the total number of infections in Sonoma to 524. The county has reported four deaths since the pandemic began.
One area officials are particularly concerned about is the increase in instances of the virus being transmitted between people who have recently returned to work, Mase said.
“We’ve also seen, over the weekend, a few more hospitalizations that make us worried that we might be seeing more COVID in our vulnerable populations,” she said.
Nearly 300 miles away in Lassen County, officials are taking an even more hard-line approach after seeing the county’s first confirmed COVID-19 cases this week.
For months, the remote county of roughly 30,000 bordering Nevada had prided itself on being untouched by the coronavirus.
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However, tests conducted last week confirmed that two people from the same household had been infected with the virus. The county began testing those who had been in contact with the pair and found that two other individuals had been infected, officials said this week.
In response, Lassen County health officials on Tuesday decided to walk back previously loosened restrictions on certain businesses and services.
Restaurants will be restricted to curbside pickup and delivery only. Salons will remain closed, and no in-person religious services will be permitted. In-store shopping will also not be allowed under the county’s latest rules.
Dr. Kenneth Korver, the county’s public health officer, said officials were aware of the possibility that the virus could eventually come into the community, either from a resident traveling outside the region or from someone visiting.
“Unfortunately, this did happen, and we now have a serious problem,” Korver wrote in his most recent health order. “We need to contain the spread of the virus in Lassen County now.”
The move by the two counties comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that large swaths of California could begin moving into the third stage of reopening.
While Sonoma County was given the green light by the state to reopen in-store retail, hair salons and places of worship under the state’s latest guidance, public health officials say the region will not amend its shelter-in-place order to include those services for now.
“We understand these measures are not easy or convenient,” Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Susan Gorin said. “We look forward to a time when Sonoma County is fully open for business, recreation and social and religious gatherings.”
Peter Rumble, chief executive of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, told the Press Democrat that Mase’s decision to slow reopening has frustrated the business community, many of whom are eager and willing to do anything to resume economic activity in the area.
“I understand the decision was based on the data that she established — understand that aspect of it,” he told the newspaper. “At the same time, I understand that a lot of businesses have developed practices that will keep their workers safe and that will keep their clients and the public safe.”
The situation in Sonona and Lassen counties offers a cautionary tale as California reopens its economy. Experts have said coronavirus cases could easily spike without social distancing and other safety precautions, and health officials have said counties must examine new cases closely to watch for any upticks that might require tighter stay-at-home rules.
Smaller counties opened earlier than urban ones, where officials have been concerned about new outbreaks. Los Angeles County, which has seen more than 2,200 coronavirus deaths, has said it will take a more cautionary approach.
“There is a lot at stake as we reopen,” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday. “More people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19 — just more cases and likely more hospitalizations and deaths. This is why it couldn’t be more important for us to take care of each other when we’re out of our homes.”
Dr. Sara Cody, health officer for Santa Clara County and a key architect of the nation’s first coronavirus shelter-in-place order, this week criticized California’s increasingly fast pace of lifting stay-at-home restrictions.
Cody expressed concerns that California risks a surge in cases if it reopens too many sectors of society too quickly. Reopening so fast, she said, means there isn’t enough time to implement new procedures to make reopened activities safe.


latimes--2020-05-28--3 alleged L.A. gang members arrested in fatal shooting of single mom

Magali Alberto , a 28-year-old single working mom , was driving home on Manchester Avenue in South L.A. after a small birthday party when she pulled up to a red light in her red Dodge Charger .
That ’ s when “ three local gang members drove up alongside her vehicle and indiscriminately fired , ” said Los Angeles Police Capt .
Stacy D. Spell .
“ Unfortunately , she suffered several gunshot wounds and did not survive.
” The shooters never saw who was in the car that they fired on just after midnight April 26 near the intersection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were tinted windows , ” Spell said at a news conference Thursday in Los Angeles .
“ They could not have seen who was inside.
” “ Murder is just a horrible crime , ” said Spell , who oversees the LAPD ’ s South Bureau homicide division .
“ But in this case , everything we know about Magali [ shows ] she was a very good person and ... not involved in any activity .
It makes absolutely no sense , and that is why the department took such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up every bit of evidence to make sure justice was met.
” After a month of reviewing “ an overwhelming amount of video evidence ” and conducting search warrants , LAPD South Bureau Homicide detectives on May 21 arrested three alleged gang members .
On Wednesday , prosecutors charged them with Alberto ’ s murder , Spell said .
James Spencer , 23 , Frank Adams , 29 , and Darrell Robinson , 26 , were taken into custody with the help of FBI and SWAT officers .
The slaying in the Gramercy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ gang-motivated crime , but we are not going to identify the gang.
” Spell said investigators hoped the arrests brought some sense of justice to the victim ’ s family , but , he acknowledged , “ there is no closure ; they can not have her back.
” Detective Gregg Fischer and investigator Nancy Johnson identified the suspects after examining video from various cameras in the area and working with LAPD gang experts .
Spell said some information about the incident was not being made public because the investigation remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters Thursday that the 28-year-old was a caring , loving daughter who said she didn ’ t have time for a boyfriend because she was working hard at her job in the hospitality industry .
She wanted to help her parents travel , to give them memories to cherish .
“ My parents have worked so hard to give to me and my brothers , ” her aunt recalled her saying .
“ I want my parents to go to places they have never been to.
” Speaking at Thursday ’ s news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not identified by police — said the family was devastated at the loss of “ a loving , protective mother of a small child ” and wondered why anyone would “ take away the life of an innocent young lady.
” The aunt said the family was thankful for the work of the detectives in apprehending the alleged killers .
A friend of Alberto described her as a strong , passionate young mom who enjoyed hiking with her dog .
She said Alberto had a charismatic and positive personality and was well known @ @ @ @ @ @

Magali Alberto, a 28-year-old single working mom, was driving home on Manchester Avenue in South L.A. after a small birthday party when she pulled up to a red light in her red Dodge Charger.
That’s when “three local gang members drove up alongside her vehicle and indiscriminately fired,” said Los Angeles Police Capt. Stacy D. Spell. “Unfortunately, she suffered several gunshot wounds and did not survive.”
The shooters never saw who was in the car that they fired on just after midnight April 26 near the intersection of Manchester and Denker avenues.
“There were tinted windows,” Spell said at a news conference Thursday in Los Angeles. “They could not have seen who was inside.”
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“Murder is just a horrible crime,” said Spell, who oversees the LAPD’s South Bureau homicide division. “But in this case, everything we know about Magali [shows] she was a very good person and ... not involved in any activity. It makes absolutely no sense, and that is why the department took such a sense of urgency and purpose to dig up every bit of evidence to make sure justice was met.”
After a month of reviewing “an overwhelming amount of video evidence” and conducting search warrants, LAPD South Bureau Homicide detectives on May 21 arrested three suspected gang members. On Wednesday, prosecutors charged them with Alberto’s murder, Spell said.
James Spencer, 23, Frank Adams, 29, and Darrell Robinson, 26, were taken into custody with the help of FBI and SWAT officers.
The slaying in the Gramercy Park neighborhood, Spell said, was a “gang-motivated crime, but we are not going to identify the gang.”
Spell said investigators hoped the arrests brought some sense of justice to the victim’s family, but, he acknowledged, “there is no closure; they cannot have her back.”
Det. Gregg Fischer and investigator Nancy Johnson identified the suspects after examining video from various cameras in the area and working with LAPD gang experts. Spell said some information about the incident was not being made public because the investigation remained active.
Alberto’s aunt told reporters Thursday that the 28-year-old was a caring, loving daughter who said she didn’t have time for a boyfriend because she was working hard at her job in the hospitality industry. She wanted to help her parents travel, to give them memories to cherish.
“My parents have worked so hard to give to me and my brothers,” her aunt recalled her saying. “I want my parents to go to places they have never been to.”
Speaking at Thursday’s news conference, the aunt — who was not identified by police — said the family was devastated at the loss of “a loving, protective mother of a small child” and wondered why anyone would “take away the life of an innocent young lady.”
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The aunt said the family was thankful for the work of the detectives in apprehending the alleged killers.
A friend of Alberto described her as a strong, passionate young mom who enjoyed hiking with her dog. She said Alberto had a charismatic and positive personality and was well known in the local hospitality industry.


latimes--2020-05-28--L.A. County reports 48 more coronavirus deaths, pushing California's toll to almost 4,000

Los Angeles County health officials announced another 48 coronavirus-related deaths Thursday — pushing the total number of fatalities statewide closer to 4,000 .
More than half of the Californians who have died as a result of COVID-19 , 2,241 , have been in L.A. County .
Health officials also announced 1,094 new coronavirus infections , raising the county ’ s total to 49,774 .
With California on the cusp of yet another morbid milestone amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic , there were new signs Thursday of problems in the reopening of the state .
While much of California is steadily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stay-at-home order and lifting restrictions that have kept businesses , churches and schools shuttered for months , two Northern California counties have had to tap the brakes in the face of troubling virus activity .
The public health officer for remote Lassen County , in northeastern California , announced that some restrictions would be re-implemented this week after the region ’ s first confirmed COVID-19 cases .
That means no in-store retail shopping or dining in at restaurants for the time being , Dr. Kenneth Korver wrote in his order Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship services also are again prohibited .
“ While Lassen County had no COVID-19 confirmed cases for the past three months , we were fully aware of the risk that the virus could come to our community ” by way of county visitors or residents who traveled outside the county , Korver said .
“ Unfortunately , this did happen , and we now have a serious problem .
We need to contain the spread of the virus in Lassen County now.
” Overall , there have been five confirmed COVID-19 cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 222 tests were still pending Thursday morning .
Lassen is the first county to officially roll back its reopening rules since California has started allowing local governments to further relax coronavirus-related restrictions provided they meet certain metrics .
In Sonoma County , several weeks after it began loosening restrictions on some businesses , public health officials on Wednesday announced they were halting the reopening of other services .
The decision comes after a recent spike in COVID-19 cases , mostly tied to workplace transmission , said county Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the weekend , a few more hospitalizations that make us worried that we might be seeing more COVID in our vulnerable populations , ” Mase said .
Many California communities , though , are forging ahead with reopening their economies , with the hope that social distancing and other safety measures will prevent new outbreaks .
Newsom said Wednesday that a decision on reopening gyms and fitness centers could be coming soon , the latest announcement in a string of significant reopening news in recent days .
Earlier this week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship to resume in-person services and also announced that counties could begin to reopen hair salons and barbershops .
In another milestone , SeaWorld , Legoland and other tourist attractions in San Diego County have begun talks with local officials about a potential July 1 reopening .
Even Los Angeles County , which has long been the hotbed of California ’ s coronavirus outbreak , has taken significant steps toward reopening .
Officials announced this week they would allow the resumption of faith-based services , in-store shopping at low-risk retail stores , drive-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There is a lot at stake as we continue our recovery journey , ” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement Thursday .
“ More people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19 , more cases , and likely more hospitalizations and deaths .
Individuals and institutions need to continue to do their part to slow the spread of the virus.
” Officials have routinely warned that , as additional businesses and services open their doors , there are likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some , including Newsom , have pointed to other metrics — such as a steady number of hospitalizations — as proof that the state is bending the coronavirus curve in a way that allows for a wider , but still safe , reopening .
Even so , California this week became the fourth state to surpass 100,000 confirmed coronavirus cases .
New York leads with more than 300,000 cases .
California also has recorded over 3,900 deaths , far fewer than New York , which has 29,000 ; New Jersey , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has recorded 6,400 .
Health officials have stressed that preventing new outbreaks depends on people wearing masks , avoiding crowded spaces and keeping at least six feet apart .
As of Thursday , 47 of California ’ s 58 counties had received state approval to move further into what ’ s known as Stage 2 — allowing in-person dining and retail shopping to resume with modifications .
Some areas are still itching to move further — and faster .
Officials in Placer County , northeast of Sacramento , have petitioned the state for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and entertainment venues , with modifications , as well as to restart youth sports and other programs .
They also are seeking to scrap the state ’ s recent guideline that subjects churches to a 100-person attendance limit for in-person services .
That limitation has been particularly contentious since it was announced , with some church and elected officials saying the state ’ s guidelines remain overly restrictive and potentially unconstitutional .
In Orange County — which recorded its highest number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to date on Wednesday — the Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The largely symbolic move makes clear the board ’ s belief that “ gathering together in fellowship and worship in the faith of one ’ s choice is an ‘ essential ’ service , and we support the resumption of in-person religious assemblies , ” starting this weekend .
Times staff writers Taryn Luna , Stephanie Lai and Sarah Parvini contributed to this report .

Gene Kelley, right, co-owner of Skyline Barber Shop, cuts Dan Collins’ hair on Tuesday in Temecula.
Los Angeles County health officials announced another 48 coronavirus-related deaths Thursday — pushing the total number of fatalities statewide closer to 4,000.
More than half of the Californians who have died as a result of COVID-19, 2,241, have been in L.A. County.
Health officials also announced 1,094 new coronavirus infections, raising the county’s total to 49,774.
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With California on the cusp of yet another morbid milestone amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, there were new signs Thursday of problems in the reopening of the state.
While much of California is steadily easing portions of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order and lifting restrictions that have kept businesses, churches and schools shuttered for months, two Northern California counties have had to tap the brakes in the face of troubling virus activity.
The public health officer for remote Lassen County, in northeastern California, announced that some restrictions would be re-implemented this week after the region’s first confirmed COVID-19 cases.
That means no in-store retail shopping or dining in at restaurants for the time being, Dr. Kenneth Korver wrote in his order Tuesday. Salons will be closed, and worship services also are again prohibited.
“While Lassen County had no COVID-19 confirmed cases for the past three months, we were fully aware of the risk that the virus could come to our community” by way of county visitors or residents who traveled outside the county, Korver said. “Unfortunately, this did happen, and we now have a serious problem. We need to contain the spread of the virus in Lassen County now.”
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Overall, there have been five confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, but the results of 222 tests were still pending Thursday morning.
Lassen is the first county to officially roll back its reopening rules since California has started allowing local governments to further relax coronavirus-related restrictions provided they meet certain metrics.
In Sonoma County, several weeks after it began loosening restrictions on some businesses, public health officials on Wednesday announced they were halting the reopening of other services. The decision comes after a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, mostly tied to workplace transmission, said county Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase.
“We’ve also seen, over the weekend, a few more hospitalizations that make us worried that we might be seeing more COVID in our vulnerable populations,” Mase said.
Many California communities, though, are forging ahead with reopening their economies, with the hope that social distancing and other safety measures will prevent new outbreaks.
In El Dorado County, officials lifted a local nonessential travel ban on Wednesday, but emphasized that the state order still prohibits tourism to Lake Tahoe. In nearby Yolo County, officials rescinded their local “shelter-in-place” order but emphasized that county residents must still abide by state restrictions.
Newsom said Wednesday that a decision on reopening gyms and fitness centers could be coming soon, the latest announcement in a string of significant reopening news in recent days.
Earlier this week, the governor unveiled new guidelines allowing houses of worship to resume in-person services and also announced that counties could begin to reopen hair salons and barbershops.
In another milestone, SeaWorld, Legoland and other tourist attractions in San Diego County have begun talks with local officials about a potential July 1 reopening.
Even Los Angeles County, which has long been the hotbed of California’s coronavirus outbreak, has taken significant steps toward reopening. Officials announced this week they would allow the resumption of faith-based services, in-store shopping at low-risk retail stores, drive-in movies and other recreational activities with restrictions.
“There is a lot at stake as we continue our recovery journey,” Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement Thursday. “More people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19, more cases, and likely more hospitalizations and deaths. Individuals and institutions need to continue to do their part to slow the spread of the virus.”
Officials have routinely warned that, as additional businesses and services open their doors, there will probably be spikes in the number of coronavirus infections.
Some, including Newsom, have pointed to other metrics — such as a steady number of hospitalizations — as proof that the state is bending the coronavirus curve in a way that allows for a wider, but still safe, reopening.
Even so, California this week became the fourth state to surpass 100,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. New York leads with more than 300,000 cases. California also has recorded more than 3,900 deaths, far fewer than New York, which has 29,000; New Jersey, which has 11,000; and Massachusetts, which has recorded 6,400.
Health officials have stressed that preventing new outbreaks depends on people wearing masks, avoiding crowded spaces and keeping at least six feet apart.
As of Thursday, 47 of California’s 58 counties had received state approval to move further into what’s known as Stage 2 — allowing in-person dining and retail shopping to resume with modifications.
Some areas are still itching to move further — and faster.
Officials in Placer County, northeast of Sacramento, have petitioned the state for permission to reopen gyms, nail salons and entertainment venues, with modifications, as well as to restart youth sports and other programs.
They also are seeking to scrap the state’s recent guideline that subjects churches to a 100-person attendance limit for in-person services.
That limitation has been particularly contentious since it was announced, with some church and elected officials saying the state’s guidelines remain overly restrictive and potentially unconstitutional.
In Orange County — which recorded its highest number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to date on Wednesday — the Board of Supervisors has declared religious services “essential.”
The largely symbolic move makes clear the board’s belief that “gathering together in fellowship and worship in the faith of one’s choice is an ‘essential’ service, and we support the resumption of in-person religious assemblies,” starting this weekend.
Times staff writers Taryn Luna, Stephanie Lai and Sarah Parvini contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-28--Families call for shutdown of Vallejo nursing home with 102 COVID infections, 13 deaths

Nearly a quarter of all COVID-19 cases in one Bay Area county can be linked to a single location , a skilled nursing home in Vallejo where more than 100 residents have tested positive for the coronavirus and 16 have died .
Now relatives are demanding that the facility be shut down .
“ Some things were intentional and negligent , ” said Shawnie Bennett , whose brother , William Bennett III , moved into Windsor Vallejo Care Center in Solano County after suffering a stroke last year .
William died from complications of the coronavirus on May 13 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative , and then they moved someone into his room who was coughing , ” his sister said .
“ They didn ’ t give that person a mask , and they didn ’ t provide my brother with a mask .
My brother was really scared.
” She is one of more than 1,700 people who have signed a petition calling for Windsor Vallejo ’ s closure .
They allege that negligence at the facility helped pave the way for the COVID-19 outbreak and that complaints about poor practices went largely unanswered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been prime breeding grounds for the novel coronavirus , spreading rampantly through highly vulnerable communities .
In California , roughly half of all COVID-19 deaths have been in nursing homes or other eldercare facilities .
Administrators at Windsor Vallejo did not respond to multiple requests for comment , but Josh Sable , general counsel for Windsor , said in a statement that the company stands by its protocols and staff .
“ Please be assured that the facility is adhering to all recommendations of federal and state agencies , ” Sable said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been done .
“ It didn ’ t have to get the way it is , ” said Maria Grimaldo , who started the petition after her grandmother contracted COVID-19 while at Windsor .
“ It ’ s preventable with proper training , proper management , proper overhead.
” Grimaldo and Shawnie Bennett were working to transfer their relatives out of Windsor when the pandemic struck .
Now , they say , they ’ re seeking justice for those who have died and for those left inside .
“ We ’ re trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can ’ t speak , ” said Grimaldo , who added her grandmother still resides in Windsor ’ s COVID-19 wing .
Their protests come as more than 28,000 people have died of COVID-19 in care facilities nationwide .
As of May 22 , 102 residents and 34 staff members at Windsor had tested positive for the virus , making it one of the 10 most infected nursing homes in the state .
The facility has 166 beds .
“ Unfortunately , when a communicable disease gets introduced into that type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to spread , ” said Solano County Public Health Officer Dr. Bela Matyas , who called Windsor ’ s efforts to control the spread of the virus “ genuine and diligent.
” More than 150 complaints about conditions at the Windsor Vallejo facility have been lodged with the California Department of Public Health since 2017 , including two substantiated claims about improper infection control .
A Medicare inspection report last year listed 23 citations for violations such as lost clothing items , soiled toilets and failure to provide patients with recourse for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of annual citations per nursing home in California is 13 . )
The facility received one out of five stars , or “ much below average , ” on its 2019 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services health inspection , leaving several families to wonder why it was allowed to keep operating at all .
“ William and others were not attended to properly and in a timely manner , ” said Bennett ’ s aunt , Annette Bennett , who alleged that her nephew was not given proper nutrition and was regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ d call his aunt , who would have to drive over to ensure that someone changed him .
“ That happened more often than not , ” she said .
Anne Mendoza , whose aunt , Carol Murphy , died on May 10 after contracting COVID-19 while at Windsor , said she thought her aunt ’ s case was mishandled from the start .
“ They said they were isolating [ COVID patients ] in a separate wing , ” she said .
“ Having visited there , I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible.
” Despite mounting concerns about the facility , the California Department of Public Health responded to questions about Windsor Vallejo by noting that it is not in its Special Focus Facility program for nursing homes that are in need of health and safety improvements .
That program , however , is limited to a maximum of 30 nursing homes per state , and new homes are added only when others are moved off the list .
Windsor operates more than 35 nursing home facilities across California , 11 of which have reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health .
Solano County is releasing statistics from the Vallejo location on a regular basis .
Matyas described the 16 deaths at Windsor as a “ low fatality rate ” compared with other reported nursing home outbreaks .
Grimaldo is now planning her fourth protest against Windsor Vallejo in as many weeks .
Each one has drawn between 10 and 20 people who don masks and wave signs that read “ Justice for William , ” “ Be Their Voice ” and “ Windsor Gave Our Grandma COVID-19 , ” among other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue protesting the facility every week for the foreseeable future .
“ They don ’ t seem to be big fans of the attention the place is getting , ” she said.
“ But if you don ’ t want the attention , then run it correctly .
”

Many residents and staff members of Windsor Vallejo Care Center in Vallejo, Calif., have tested positive for COVID-19.
Nearly a quarter of all COVID-19 cases in one Bay Area county can be linked to a single location, a skilled nursing home in Vallejo where more than 100 residents have tested positive for the coronavirus and 16 have died. Now relatives are demanding that the facility be shut down.
“Some things were intentional and negligent,” said Shawnie Bennett, whose brother, William Bennett III, moved into Windsor Vallejo Care Center in Solano County after suffering a stroke last year. William died from complications of the coronavirus on May 13. He was 31.
For the record: An earlier version of this article said William Bennett’s aunt described having to change his diapers. She says she made sure that a staff member did so.
“He tested negative, and then they moved someone into his room who was coughing,” his sister said. “They didn’t give that person a mask, and they didn’t provide my brother with a mask. My brother was really scared.”
She is one of more than 1,700 people who have signed a petition calling for Windsor Vallejo’s closure. They allege that negligence at the facility helped pave the way for the COVID-19 outbreak and that complaints about poor practices went largely unanswered for years.
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Nursing homes nationwide have been prime breeding grounds for the novel coronavirus, spreading rampantly through highly vulnerable communities. In California, roughly half of all COVID-19 deaths have been in nursing homes or other eldercare facilities.
Administrators at Windsor Vallejo did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but Josh Sable, general counsel for Windsor, said in a statement that the company stands by its protocols and staff.
“Please be assured that the facility is adhering to all recommendations of federal and state agencies,” Sable said.
Families are adamant that more could have been done.
“It didn’t have to get the way it is,” said Maria Grimaldo, who started the petition after her grandmother contracted COVID-19 while at Windsor. “It’s preventable with proper training, proper management, proper overhead.”
Grimaldo and Shawnie Bennett were working to transfer their relatives out of Windsor when the pandemic struck. Now, they say, they’re seeking justice for those who have died and for those left inside.
“We’re trying to give a voice to the patients that can’t speak,” said Grimaldo, who added her grandmother still resides in Windsor’s COVID-19 wing.
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Their protests come as more than 28,000 people have died of COVID-19 in care facilities nationwide. As of May 22, 102 residents and 34 staff members at Windsor had tested positive for the virus, making it one of the 10 most infected nursing homes in the state. The facility has 166 beds.
“Unfortunately, when a communicable disease gets introduced into that type of environment, it’s easy for it to spread,” said Solano County Public Health Officer Dr. Bela Matyas, who called Windsor’s efforts to control the spread of the virus “genuine and diligent.”
More than 150 complaints about conditions at the Windsor Vallejo facility have been lodged with the California Department of Public Health since 2017, including two substantiated claims about improper infection control. A Medicare inspection report last year listed 23 citations for violations such as lost clothing items, soiled toilets and failure to provide patients with recourse for their concerns. (The average number of annual citations per nursing home in California is 13.)
The facility received one out of five stars, or “much below average,” on its 2019 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services health inspection, leaving several families to wonder why it was allowed to keep operating at all.
Pulitzer Center grant logo
“William and others were not attended to properly and in a timely manner,” said Bennett’s aunt, Annette Bennett, who alleged that her nephew was not given proper nutrition and was regularly left in soiled diapers for so long that he’d call his aunt, who would have to drive over to ensure that someone changed him.
“That happened more often than not,” she said.
Anne Mendoza, whose aunt, Carol Murphy, died on May 10 after contracting COVID-19 while at Windsor, said she thought her aunt’s case was mishandled from the start.
“They said they were isolating [COVID patients] in a separate wing,” she said. “Having visited there, I don’t know how that’s possible.”
Despite mounting concerns about the facility, the California Department of Public Health responded to questions about Windsor Vallejo by noting that it is not in its Special Focus Facility program for nursing homes that are in need of health and safety improvements. That program, however, is limited to a maximum of 30 nursing homes per state, and new homes are added only when others are moved off the list.
Windsor operates more than 35 nursing home facilities across California, 11 of which have reported cases of COVID-19 to the Department of Public Health. Solano County is releasing statistics from the Vallejo location on a regular basis. Matyas described the 16 deaths at Windsor as a “low fatality rate” compared with other reported nursing home outbreaks.
Grimaldo is now planning her fourth protest against Windsor Vallejo in as many weeks. Each one has drawn between 10 and 20 people who don masks and wave signs that read “Justice for William,” “Be Their Voice” and “Windsor Gave Our Grandma COVID-19,” among other messages.
She said she plans to continue protesting the facility every week for the foreseeable future.
“They don’t seem to be big fans of the attention the place is getting,” she said.“But if you don’t want the attention, then run it correctly.”


latimes--2020-05-28--How to search for and find a new rental during coronavirus

This statistic should drive home the idea that finding the right apartment is more important than ever : “ People have spent more time in their apartments during this pandemic than they normally would have in a year , ” said Frances Williamson , director of SEO and content for Apartments.com .
That was a finding shared at a recent company meeting .
“ Isn ’ t that crazy ?
” The good news : Even in the midst of a pandemic , the rental market has continued to churn .
So if you ’ re thinking about moving or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southland or beyond , here are some tips that should help .
How do I even search for a new apartment right now ?
As with most other things during this pandemic , apartment hunting is best done online .
It is the part of the renting process that has changed the most , with landlords — from small single-building owners to mega-management corporations — offering safe alternatives to search for a new place .
The most popular new method : virtual tours .
They take different forms , including 3-D virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents walking around the space .
Many units currently available to lease offer these online look-arounds .
“ A lot of the market has shifted toward that direction , ” said Evan Raciti , executive vice president of rental listing company RentHop .
“ A lot of the proactive landlords and agents are taking it upon themselves to put video tours online and make sure they ’ re able to send them to renters who are interested.
” If you still want to see a place in person , some landlords have systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-site employees .
“ That ’ s a way to get around the lockdown order , ” Raciti said .
“ So the agents aren ’ t actually present.
” Can the whole process really be done online ?
For most places , yes — and it ’ s proving more effective than you may think .
According to Williamson , Apartments.com has seen record levels of users since an initial dip in mid-March , with digital content features such as unit photos and online messaging with prospective landlords accounting for massive surges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month by Apartments.com and real estate research firm Kingsley Associates , Williamson said , 53 % of surveyed tenants have toured an apartment virtually during the pandemic .
And 63 % of those who took a virtual tour said that was enough for them to make a renting decision .
“ The part that ’ s been interesting to me is seeing how comfortable people are with this transition to online , ” Williamson said .
“ I think part of it is the reality , the circumstance .
But it doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much hesitancy.
” Rental agents have also begun pivoting to digital methods such as virtual consultations .
And even before the pandemic , an increasing number of apartments had adopted online lease signings .
“ With people not being able to go see communities as much , not going in person to fill out applications , that intent to go through the full renter journey online has definitely increased , ” Williamson said .
Is it easy to find an available unit ?
Yes , and somewhat to the surprise of those within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study , Williamson said , 40 % of those surveyed want to move within the next six weeks , more than double the amount from before the pandemic .
Raciti has noticed a spike in sublet listings , a potential indicator that more renters are looking to get out of their current agreements .
Much of this , of course , is driven by finances .
But Williamson believes it could be the result of stay-at-home orders too .
“ I think a lot of people are like , ‘ Oh , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it makes me ready for a change , ’ ” she said .
Whatever the cause , it has kept the rental market in motion even as many other parts of the economy have screeched to a halt .
More than two months into many shutdowns , inventory has remained steady .
“ It ’ s working at a relatively good rate , ” Raciti said .
“ You ’ d be surprised .
We ’ re seeing deals getting done.
” According to Raciti , unit prices have remained generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in the near future .
“ Landlords are always going to try to keep their rent roll looking good , ” he said .
“ So they won ’ t want to drop the prices right away.
” Instead , the prevalence of “ concession offers ” — such as a lower security deposit or free first month ’ s rent — has increased , especially in dense metropolitan areas .
“ But if that doesn ’ t do the trick , ” Raciti said , “ you ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple months , and I would imagine we ’ re going to start seeing actual gross rent start dropping , along with the incentives increasing .
So that could be a really good opportunity for people looking to move into the cities.
” What else should I consider ?
For tenants who have a lease set to expire soon , Raciti advises looking into short-term extensions .
“ A lot of this is dependent on their current situation , but a lot of landlords right now are more willing than ever to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ So if you wanted to give yourself a little time to think about where you want to land , I would say , reach out to your landlord and say , ‘ Can we do a three-month extension ?
’ “ Get yourself a couple months to get more visibility on where the market is and you come out of it finding , ‘ Oh , the market is a lot more favorable to tenants , ’ and you can get yourself a better deal.
” For those ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanding your search zone to look into more suburban areas if possible — a trend Williamson said has developed in recent months .
“ It ’ s interesting to see , ” she said .
“ Maybe because more people are interested in being somewhere else , or because jobs are uncertain , or people are sheltering the pandemic out of their home market .
But it ’ s definitely been a shift that we ’ ve seen.
” But whatever you do , stay optimistic .
Because even at a time where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sight-unseen , there ’ s still a world of options available to renters ready to find a new place before this pandemic is over .

Renting was never easy in the L.A. area. The coronavirus has added new complications.
This statistic should drive home the idea that finding the right apartment is more important than ever: “People have spent more time in their apartments during this pandemic than they normally would have in a year,” said Frances Williamson, director of SEO and content for Apartments.com. That was a finding shared at a recent company meeting. “Isn’t that crazy?”
The good news: Even in the midst of a pandemic, the rental market has continued to churn. So if you’re thinking about moving or currently looking for a new place in the Southland or beyond, here are some tips that should help.
How do I even search for a new apartment right now?
As with most other things during this pandemic, apartment hunting is best done online.
Advertisement
It is the part of the renting process that has changed the most, with landlords — from small single-building owners to mega-management corporations — offering safe alternatives to search for a new place.
The most popular new method: virtual tours. They take different forms, including 3-D virtual tours and live video chats with leasing agents walking around the space. Many units currently available to lease offer these online look-arounds.
“A lot of the market has shifted toward that direction,” said Evan Raciti, executive vice president of rental listing company RentHop. “A lot of the proactive landlords and agents are taking it upon themselves to put video tours online and make sure they’re able to send them to renters who are interested.”
If you still want to see a place in person, some landlords have systems to leave keys in dropboxes or with on-site employees.
“That’s a way to get around the lockdown order,” Raciti said. “So the agents aren’t actually present.”
Advertisement
Can the whole process really be done online?
For most places, yes — and it’s proving more effective than you may think.
According to Williamson, Apartments.com has seen record levels of users since an initial dip in mid-March, with digital content features such as unit photos and online messaging with prospective landlords accounting for massive surges.
According to a study conducted this month by Apartments.com and real estate research firm Kingsley Associates, Williamson said, 53% of surveyed tenants have toured an apartment virtually during the pandemic. And 63% of those who took a virtual tour said that was enough for them to make a renting decision.
“The part that’s been interesting to me is seeing how comfortable people are with this transition to online,” Williamson said. “I think part of it is the reality, the circumstance. But it doesn’t seem like there’s been much hesitancy.”
Rental agents have also begun pivoting to digital methods such as virtual consultations. And even before the pandemic, an increasing number of apartments had adopted online lease signings.
“With people not being able to go see communities as much, not going in person to fill out applications, that intent to go through the full renter journey online has definitely increased,” Williamson said.
Is it easy to find an available unit?
Yes, and somewhat to the surprise of those within the industry.
According to the same study, Williamson said, 40% of those surveyed want to move within the next six weeks, more than double the amount from before the pandemic. Raciti has noticed a spike in sublet listings, a potential indicator that more renters are looking to get out of their current agreements.
Much of this, of course, is driven by finances. But Williamson believes it could be the result of stay-at-home orders too.
“I think a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I’m sitting here in my apartment, and it makes me ready for a change,’” she said.
Whatever the cause, it has kept the rental market in motion even as many other parts of the economy have screeched to a halt. More than two months into many shutdowns, inventory has remained steady.
“It’s working at a relatively good rate,” Raciti said. “You’d be surprised. We’re seeing deals getting done.”
What about prices?
According to Raciti, unit prices have remained generally steady and could actually be set to drop in the near future.
“Landlords are always going to try to keep their rent roll looking good,” he said. “So they won’t want to drop the prices right away.”
Instead, the prevalence of “concession offers” — such as a lower security deposit or free first month’s rent — has increased, especially in dense metropolitan areas.
“But if that doesn’t do the trick,” Raciti said, “you’re going to see a glut of supply the next couple months, and I would imagine we’re going to start seeing actual gross rent start dropping, along with the incentives increasing. So that could be a really good opportunity for people looking to move into the cities.”
What else should I consider?
For tenants who have a lease set to expire soon, Raciti advises looking into short-term extensions.
“A lot of this is dependent on their current situation, but a lot of landlords right now are more willing than ever to do short-term extensions on leases,” he said. “So if you wanted to give yourself a little time to think about where you want to land, I would say, reach out to your landlord and say, ‘Can we do a three-month extension?’
“Get yourself a couple months to get more visibility on where the market is and you come out of it finding, ‘Oh, the market is a lot more favorable to tenants,’ and you can get yourself a better deal.”
For those ready to move now, it might be worth expanding your search zone to look into more suburban areas if possible — a trend Williamson said has developed in recent months.
“It’s interesting to see,” she said. “Maybe because more people are interested in being somewhere else, or because jobs are uncertain, or people are sheltering the pandemic out of their home market. But it’s definitely been a shift that we’ve seen.”
But whatever you do, stay optimistic. Because even at a time where almost everything has to be done online and sight-unseen, there’s still a world of options available to renters ready to find a new place before this pandemic is over.


latimes--2020-05-28--700 Chino inmates to be transferred as coronavirus sweeps prison

Amid a growing coronavirus outbreak at the California Institution for Men in Chino , nearly 700 vulnerable inmates will be transferred to a dozen other prisons around the state , officials said .
The prisoners who will be moved have all tested negative but have medical histories that could make a COVID-19 infection potentially life-threatening .
Under the plan , agreed to by the California attorney general , the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Prison Law Office , 691 inmates will be redistributed across 12 other state prisons , a reversal in corrections policy that forbids transfers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak at the Chino prison that has infected every dormitory used to house inmates .
The prison has reported more than 600 cases and nine deaths .
The transfer orders were revealed in a document filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court by California Atty .
Gen. Xavier Becerra and the Prison Law Office .
California Correctional Health Care Services , which oversees medical care for prisoners , had previously opposed such transfers , saying that “ mass movement of high-risk inmates between institutions without outbreaks is ill-advised and potentially dangerous , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spreading transmission of the disease between institutions.
” But the court filing said the prior approach of keeping inmates with underlying health issues in an infected facility had failed to keep them safe .
“ Since CDCR ’ s current and past measures have failed to stem outbreaks and stop the spread , it is imperative that vulnerable patients receive additional protection immediately , ” the brief stated .
The Corrections Department has instituted daily screenings for all staff before entering state prisons , which are increasingly becoming “ powder kegs ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness caused by the coronavirus .
All prison employees are required to wear cloth masks and have been ordered to maintain physical distancing as much as possible .
At the Chino and Avenal correctional facilities , all workers also have be required to be tested .
The state also will institute strict cleaning protocols within the prisons , with logs to document the disinfecting of showers , toilets and sinks between use .
According to the court filing , attorneys conducted an online video visit of the men ’ s prison on May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while the state had claimed there was at least six feet of social distancing for inmates housed in the dormitories , a live video showed otherwise .
Families of prisoners have conducted drive-by protests outside the prison in recent weeks .
Inmate John Blagg , who is serving an eight-year sentence at Chino for driving under the influence with injury and has a history of strokes and heart attacks , said inmates have been split up into groups of those who have tested positive and those who have tested negative .
Prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the courtyard areas in an effort to spread the inmates out .
“ I don ’ t deserve a death sentence , ” he told The Times last month in an interview .
“ I am afraid I am not going to make it out .
..
I understand I did what I did .
I ’ ll do my time .
I don ’ t want to die , and I don ’ t want other people to die.
” California ’ s prisons resumed processing inmates this week for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their intake in March .
New inmates will be accepted from only four counties : Los Angeles , San Bernardino , San Diego and Fresno .
“ It is anticipated that no more than 200 inmates will be accepted from those counties through June 19 , ” according to the state corrections department .
Inmates will go to one of two intake centers , at North Kern State Prison or Wasco State Prison .
At each location , inmates with be offered coronavirus testing .
If they test positive , they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be quarantined for 14 days .
Thousands of prisoners have been released as the state has sought to socially distance inmates in an effort to help stem the spread of the coronavirus .
The state noted in its filing Wednesday that 3,000 inmates a month are released .
The lack of intake in state prisons for the past two months further reduced the number of prisoners by 6,000 , according to statements made in recent federal court hearings .
But outbreaks of the virus have gripped prison populations across California and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1,800 inmates have been infected at two Lompoc facilities as well as San Pedro ’ s Terminal Island , and 12 prisoners have died .
The ACLU is suing to force the release of some federal inmates , citing health dangers .
In state prisons , an effort by prisoner lawyers to force additional releases has so far failed .
A three-judge federal panel and a single federal judge have rejected moves by lawyers seeking more releases for inmates in a long-standing legal fight over overcrowding and medical treatment in California ’ @ @ @

Housing at the California Institution for Men in Chino is set up in close-quarter dormitories.
Amid a growing coronavirus outbreak at the California Institution for Men in Chino, nearly 700 vulnerable inmates will be transferred to a dozen other prisons around the state, officials said.
The prisoners who will be moved have all tested negative but have medical histories that could make a COVID-19 infection potentially life-threatening.
Under the plan, agreed to by the California attorney general, the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Prison Law Office, 691 inmates will be redistributed across 12 other state prisons, a reversal in corrections policy that forbids transfers.
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The moves come amid a massive coronavirus outbreak at the Chino prison that has infected every dormitory used to house inmates. The prison has reported more than 600 cases and nine deaths.
The transfer orders were revealed in a document filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court by California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and the Prison Law Office.
California Correctional Health Care Services, which oversees medical care for prisoners, had previously opposed such transfers, saying that “mass movement of high-risk inmates between institutions without outbreaks is ill-advised and potentially dangerous,” noting the movement “carries significant risk of spreading transmission of the disease between institutions.”
But the court filing said the prior approach of keeping inmates with underlying health issues in an infected facility had failed to keep them safe.
“Since CDCR’s current and past measures have failed to stem outbreaks and stop the spread, it is imperative that vulnerable patients receive additional protection immediately,” the brief stated.
The Corrections Department has instituted daily screenings for all staff before entering state prisons, which are increasingly becoming “powder kegs” in the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Advertisement
All prison employees are required to wear cloth masks and have been ordered to maintain physical distancing as much as possible. At the Chino and Avenal correctional facilities, all workers also have be required to be tested.
The state also will institute strict cleaning protocols within the prisons, with logs to document the disinfecting of showers, toilets and sinks between use.
According to the court filing, attorneys conducted an online video visit of the men’s prison on May 22. The Prison Law Office noted that while the state had claimed there was at least six feet of social distancing for inmates housed in the dormitories, a live video showed otherwise.
Families of prisoners have conducted drive-by protests outside the prison in recent weeks.
Inmate John Blagg, who is serving an eight-year sentence at Chino for driving under the influence with injury and has a history of strokes and heart attacks, said inmates have been split up into groups of those who have tested positive and those who have tested negative. Prison authorities have also set up tents in the courtyard areas in an effort to spread the inmates out.
“I don’t deserve a death sentence,” he told The Times last month in an interview. “I am afraid I am not going to make it out. .. I understand I did what I did. I’ll do my time. I don’t want to die, and I don’t want other people to die.”
California’s prisons resumed processing inmates this week for the first time since Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended their intake in March. New inmates will be accepted from only four counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Fresno.
“It is anticipated that no more than 200 inmates will be accepted from those counties through June 19,” according to the state corrections department.
Inmates will go to one of two intake centers, at North Kern State Prison or Wasco State Prison. At each location, inmates with be offered coronavirus testing. If they test positive, they’ll be isolated. Any inmate declining testing will be quarantined for 14 days.
Thousands of prisoners have been released as the state has sought to socially distance inmates in an effort to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. The state noted in its filing Wednesday that 3,000 inmates a month are released.
The lack of intake in state prisons for the past two months further reduced the number of prisoners by 6,000, according to statements made in recent federal court hearings. But outbreaks of the virus have gripped prison populations across California and the nation.
At federal prisons in California, 1,800 inmates have been infected at two Lompoc facilities as well as San Pedro’s Terminal Island, and 12 prisoners have died. The ACLU is suing to force the release of some federal inmates, citing health dangers.
In state prisons, an effort by prisoner lawyers to force additional releases has so far failed. A three-judge federal panel and a single federal judge have rejected moves by lawyers seeking more releases for inmates in a long-standing legal fight over overcrowding and medical treatment in California’s prisons.


latimes--2020-05-28--Record crowds trash Ventura County waterfall with litter, human waste

Public access to a scenic Ventura County waterfall will be cut off starting Friday after officials said recent record crowds inundated the area with trash and human waste .
The closure of Paradise Falls in Wildwood Regional Park — located in northwestern Thousand Oaks — will be in place until further notice , according to the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency .
Agency officials said Wildwood Park had reopened for weekend use two weeks ago “ with high hopes that visitors would respect the park and its natural resources.
” “ While some did , record crowds broke down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park management and protection of the environment feasible , ” officials said in a statement Wednesday .
Conservation Agency rangers hauled multiple truckloads of trash from the area over the weekend and also discovered that some visitors had used a nearby creek as a makeshift toilet .
“ Over the past two weeks , Paradise Falls attracted unprecedented crowds that behaved differently than they have in the past , ” agency officials wrote in their statement .
“ While Paradise Falls has traditionally been a simple scenic stop on a hike through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds with plans to spend hours at this sensitive spot .
This resulted in environmental impacts to the land that are not sustainable.
” Similar issues have popped up throughout Southern California as cooped-up crowds have flocked to open spaces to find respite from coronavirus-related closures — at times overwhelming on-site facilities or making it impossible to observe safe social distancing .
The Thousand Oaks Police Department will be on hand to cite anyone who enters the Paradise Falls area once the closure is in place , the conservation agency said .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public .
“ Local users are requested to find alternative destinations for now and let Paradise Falls recover , ” officials said .

A man jumps into the water under Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks’ Wildwood Regional Park on Thursday May 28, 2020. The Conejo Valley Open Space Conservation Agency announced they will be closing the falls to the pubic indefinitely after the scenic spot was overrun with crowds and trash.
Public access to a scenic Ventura County waterfall will be cut off starting Friday after officials said recent record crowds inundated the area with trash and human waste.
The closure of Paradise Falls in Wildwood Regional Park — located in northwestern Thousand Oaks — will be in place until further notice, according to the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency.
Agency officials said Wildwood Park had reopened for weekend use two weeks ago “with high hopes that visitors would respect the park and its natural resources.”
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“While some did, record crowds broke down the sense of shared responsibility that makes safe park management and protection of the environment feasible,” officials said in a statement Wednesday.
“Over the past two weeks, Paradise Falls attracted unprecedented crowds that behaved differently than they have in the past.”
See COSCA’s full press release that explains the closure of Paradise Falls at https://t.co/uFt949tNlU pic.twitter.com/T3UMquhEKT — Conejo Open Space Foundation (@COSFoundation) May 27, 2020
Conservation Agency rangers hauled multiple truckloads of trash from the area over the weekend and also discovered that some visitors had used a nearby creek as a makeshift toilet.
“Over the past two weeks, Paradise Falls attracted unprecedented crowds that behaved differently than they have in the past,” agency officials wrote in their statement. “While Paradise Falls has traditionally been a simple scenic stop on a hike through the park, recent crowds arrived by the hundreds with plans to spend hours at this sensitive spot. This resulted in environmental impacts to the land that are not sustainable.”
Similar issues have popped up throughout Southern California as cooped-up crowds have flocked to open spaces to find respite from coronavirus-related closures — at times overwhelming on-site facilities or making it impossible to observe safe social distancing.
Crowds line the steep trail that leads to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks’ Wildwood Regional Park on Thursday May 28, 2020. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
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The Thousand Oaks Police Department will be on hand to cite anyone who enters the Paradise Falls area once the closure is in place, the conservation agency said.
Other agency-maintained trails will remain open to the public.
“Local users are requested to find alternative destinations for now and let Paradise Falls recover,” officials said.


latimes--2020-05-28--Sunbathing, lounging now allowed at Ventura County beaches

Residents are again able to sprawl out and soak up some rays in Ventura County as officials further ease restrictions that had allowed only active recreation in parks and along the shore in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak .
The county ’ s decision to permit passive use follows similar action taken in the coastal cities of Ventura , Oxnard and Port Hueneme , officials said , and represents a further unlocking of California ’ s cherished coastline .
Previously , many beaches and parks had been open only for active physical use , such as jogging , swimming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lounging allowed .
“ Now , open space guidelines at all parks and beaches throughout the area will share a common education message and encourage the same guidelines to be followed , ” Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere said in a statement Wednesday .
Officials emphasized , though , that residents must still practice social distancing and maintain at least a six-foot buffer between themselves and people they do not live with .
“ Our ability to provide increased access to our beaches and parks is a direct result of Ventura County residents ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flatten the curve , ” Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said in a statement Thursday morning .
“ We are appreciative of everyone ’ s patience and need them to continue to be safe.
” As of Wednesday evening , Ventura County had confirmed 1,038 total cases of COVID-19 — with 771 patients having already recovered .
The county ’ s coronavirus-linked death toll stands at 32 , and 22 other people are hospitalized , 12 of them in intensive care .
“ The gradual reopening of city parks and beaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work together to reopen gradually , cautiously and successfully with community members , businesses and government agencies , ” Ventura City Manager Alex McIntyre said in a statement .
The city will allow passive use at its beaches and parks starting Friday .
The recent moves don ’ t mean anything goes on beaches or in parks , however .
Residents are still barred from gathering with people from outside their households , and group sports remain off-limits .
Law enforcement will continue patrolling the shore to educate residents on the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
Should a park or beach become overwhelmed with visitors , the Ventura Police Department may order that area closed , according to the city .
Such a move wouldn ’ t be unprecedented in the region .
The county stepped in and temporarily closed Foster Park earlier this month in response to reports of crowding and illegal parking .
Other agencies have had to take similar steps .
The popular Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail in Ojai Valley are among the areas that have had to close because @ @ @ @ @

The Ventura Pier remains closed to the public in Ventura. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
From left, Henry Estrada, Mario Leon Valencia, Kevin Leon Valencia and James Wheeler, all of Palmdale, play Spike Ball at the beach in Ventura. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Danny Roebuck, of Lancaster, skim boards at the beach in Ventura. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Ezekiel Orellana, four, puts sand on his father, Ralph Orellana, while vacationing from Oregon, at the beach in Ventura. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Emma Trubey, 9, of Ventura, rides a swing at the Ventura Promenade Beach Playground in Ventura. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Beachgoers practice social distancing along the Ventura Promenade at the beach in Ventura, CA. While many parks and beaches in Ventura County have been open for active use for weeks, Ventura city officials have begun to further ease restrictions at their outdoor spaces. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Mary Jasso-Brooks, of Ventura, with James, left, and Paige, walk along the surf at the beach in Ventura. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Residents are again able to sprawl out and soak up some rays in Ventura County as officials further ease restrictions that had allowed only active recreation in parks and along the shore in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
The county’s decision to permit passive use follows similar action taken in the coastal cities of Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme, officials said, and represents a further unlocking of California’s cherished coastline.
Previously, many beaches and parks had been open only for active physical use, such as jogging, swimming, surfing or walking — with no lounging allowed.
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“Now, open space guidelines at all parks and beaches throughout the area will share a common education message and encourage the same guidelines to be followed,” Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere said in a statement Wednesday.
Officials emphasized, though, that residents must still practice social distancing and maintain at least a six-foot buffer between themselves and people they do not live with.
“Our ability to provide increased access to our beaches and parks is a direct result of Ventura County residents’ ability to practice social distancing guidelines and flatten the curve,” Ventura County Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said in a statement Thursday morning. “We are appreciative of everyone’s patience and need them to continue to be safe.”
As of Wednesday evening, Ventura County had confirmed 1,038 total cases of COVID-19 — with 771 patients having already recovered. The county’s coronavirus-linked death toll stands at 32, and 22 other people are hospitalized, 12 of them in intensive care.
“The gradual reopening of city parks and beaches is another positive step forward as we work together to reopen gradually, cautiously and successfully with community members, businesses and government agencies,” Ventura City Manager Alex McIntyre said in a statement.
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The city will allow passive use at its beaches and parks starting Friday.
The recent moves don’t mean anything goes on beaches or in parks, however. Residents are still barred from gathering with people from outside their households, and group sports remain off-limits.
Law enforcement will continue patrolling the shore to educate residents on the importance of maintaining a safe social distance, county officials said.
Should a park or beach become overwhelmed with visitors, the Ventura Police Department may order that area closed, according to the city.
Such a move wouldn’t be unprecedented in the region. The county stepped in and temporarily closed Foster Park earlier this month in response to reports of crowding and illegal parking.
Other agencies have had to take similar steps. The popular Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls Trail in Ojai Valley are among the areas that have had to close because of crowds and trash.


latimes--2020-05-28--Photos: Huge L.A. crowds protest George Floyd's death, blocking the 101

Outrage over the the death of George Floyd , a black man killed after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned @ @ @ @ @ his knee , spurred demonstrators to take to the the streets of downtown Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ Matter-LA , hundreds of demonstrators briefly blocked the 101 Freeway and marched around the Civic @ @

Outrage over the the death of George Floyd, a black man killed after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee, spurred demonstrators to take to the the streets of downtown Los Angeles.
Organized by Black Lives Matter-LA, hundreds of demonstrators briefly blocked the 101 Freeway and marched around the Civic Center.
Protesters organized by Black Lives Matter-LA march down Aliso Street in downtown Los Angeles. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
Harina Yacob, 26, of Los Angeles wears a mask reading, “Please, I can’t breathe.” (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
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Protesters link hands across the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
People tend to an injured protester on the 101 Freeway. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Protesters walk along the 101 Freeway. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
LAPD officers form a line during a protest downtown. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Protesters surround a California Highway Patrol cruiser in downtown Los Angeles. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
A protester confronts a line of LAPD officers in downtown Los Angeles. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
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Protesters cross Broadway heading up toward Hill Street. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
A protester occupies the intersection of Hill and Second streets. (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times)
Protesters set fire to a U.S. flag. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
Keni James of Los Angeles helps block a road downtown. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)