latimes--2020-06-13--Supervisor asks attorney general to review death of Black man found hanging in Palmdale

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger on Saturday formally requested that California ’ s attorney general conduct an independent investigation into the death of a young Black man who was found this week hanging from a tree near Palmdale City Hall .
Atty .
Gen. Xavier Becerra “ will lend additional expertise and oversight into this important investigation and provide the community with the answers they deserve , ” Barger said in a statement .
“ It is my hope that our collective efforts will help to support those struggling and grieving surrounding the circumstances of this tragedy.
” Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mourn 24-year-old Robert Fuller , whose death has sparked alarm in the Antelope Valley as investigators try to determine whether it was a suicide or if foul play was involved .
Authorities initially said they suspected it was a suicide , but then backed off that statement and ordered an autopsy .
His body was found hanging from a tree near City Hall early Wednesday .
Many of the people at Saturday ’ s memorial expressed anger and frustration at Fuller ’ s death and what they see as a rush by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday , Lt. Kelly Yagerlener of the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner ’ s office said a decision on the cause of Fuller ’ s death has been deferred pending an investigation .
A full autopsy is planned .
“ They suspect suicide ?
” one woman in the crowd said Saturday .
“ How can they say that ?
I can say I suspect a lynching.
” “ I believe the family deserves the benefit of the doubt .
Not the coroner ’ s office , ” said one man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district attorney to investigate the death .
Diamond Alexander , Fuller ’ s sister , addressed the growing multiethnic crowd in the courtyard behind Palmdale ’ s City Hall .
“ We want to find out the truth on what really happened , ” Alexander said .
“ Everything they told us is not right .
We just want the truth .
My brother was not suicidal .
He was a survivor .
He was street smart.
” Another speaker , Pharaoh Mitchell , called on the small green space to be renamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ali then led the crowd , which by noon had swelled to about 2,000 , on a half-mile march down the center of Sierra Highway to the Palmdale Sheriff ’ s Station , where he first took a knee for a moment of silence before pounding on the glass doors of the building , demanding to speak with an officer .
A dozen deputies in riot helmets stood tightly bunched on the other side of the tinted glass as a Sheriff ’ s Department helicopter circled overhead .
After half an hour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , came out a side door to address the crowd and take questions .
Fuller ’ s death is still being investigated by homicide detectives , Ballentine said , adding that he had no updates .
The lieutenant said he , personally , would have no problem with an independent probe , which Ali intends to call for on Monday .
But Ballentine said that was not his call .
After he spoke , the marchers returned to City Hall in a peaceful march .
Fuller ’ s death has generated intense attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Kim Kardashian West tweeted about the case , urging people to sign a petition demanding a full investigation .
Community members confronted city officials at a news briefing Friday , questioning why they were quick to label Fuller ’ s death a suicide and asking whether he might have been a homicide victim .
The residents asked whether there were cameras around the park .
The city said there were no outdoor cameras , and video recorders on a nearby traffic signal could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members detailed examples of racism in the high desert city , including Confederate flags , and said officials should not be quick to dismiss it as playing a role in Fuller ’ s death .
“ We have a history with nooses .
We don ’ t like ropes around our necks , ” said one man .
“ It was a message for the protest we had in Palmdale and Lancaster.
” City Manager J.J. Murphy acknowledged , “ Maybe we should have said it was ‘ an alleged suicide.
’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also ask that we stop talking about lynchings ?
” The audience erupted with cries of “ Hell no !
” “ I have doubts about what happened , ” said Marisela Barajas , who lives in Palmdale .
After the news conference , Barajas walked over and joined a crowd gathering at the tree where Fuller ‘ s body was found .
An American flag flew nearby .
“ All alone , in front of the City Hall — it ’ s more like a statement , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in itself is kind of a statement.
” Palmdale officials said they support an independent investigation of the case .
“ The city of Palmdale is joining the family [ of Robert Fuller ] and the community ’ s call for justice , and we do support a full investigation into his death , ” Palmdale Public Information Officer John Mlynar said .
We will settle for nothing less than a thorough accounting of this matter.
” The Antelope Valley has a substantial Black population .
There have been repeated allegations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department finding that officials worked to drive Black people out of public housing .
Five years ago , the Los Angeles County Housing Authority agreed to pay $ 2 million to victims of alleged discrimination , and some families who lost their housing assistance will have the chance to get it back .
At the same time , the Sheriff ’ s Department agreed to pay $ 700,000 and implement policies aimed at preventing racial bias .
The Justice Department launched an investigation in 2011 into allegations that people of color — particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing in Lancaster and Palmdale were being harassed and discriminated against by sheriff ’ s deputies and county housing agency officials .
On Saturday , several marches were scheduled throughout Los Angeles County to decry police brutality in the wake of Floyd ’ s death .
More than a hundred congregants and friends of the Cochran Avenue Baptist Church marched through Mid-Wilshire protesting the treatment of Black people across the country .
At one point , Pastor Charles Johnson asked the marchers to take a knee .
He then led them in prayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness to all the injustice that ’ s in our community , ” he said .
The marchers headed along San Vicente Boulevard winding through residential streets with a stop in a neighborhood known as Little Ethiopia .
They were heading to the La Brea Tar Pits .
Antoinette Jordan , 50 , marched alongside her boyfriend , Quinn .
Jordan attends the church and said it was her third protest march .
Throughout these protests she ’ s been thinking of her adult sons who are medical caregivers .
The last few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You got COVID you got ta worry about , and then you got ta worry about being a Black man , ” she said .
These demonstrations “ help give people a voice , ” she said , “ I learned : The louder you sing , the more audible you are , the better your message comes across.
” Outside the largest jail in Los Angeles County , doctors and medical workers donned their white jackets and took to the streets in downtown on Saturday to protest the treatment of black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct connection between the racial inequities in healthcare with the danger Black people face in jails and on the street .
Chants of “ care , not cages ” and “ defund the sheriff ” rang through the air as two dozen sheriff ’ s deputies looked on .
“ We coming for your budget !
” one speaker yelled .
“ We coming for your pensions !
” In the crowd , medical workers spoke about how they have been held up as heroes during the coronavirus pandemic .
It lead many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use their platform to speak up about how deadly mass incarceration has been to communities of color .
Sapan Thakur , a physical therapist in Pomona , wore a shirt with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick emblazoned on the front under his white jacket .
He said the last several weeks have been an awakening for him about the importance of speaking up .
“ I was on the sidelines .
I was paying attention , but being silent makes you complicit , ” he said .
“ If I can come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s something.
” Some protesters spoke about how challenging it was for their patients to get satisfactory healthcare and felt that more money should be devoted to programs that house people , educated them and keeps them healthy .
“ We ’ re not just here to do no harm , but to stop harm where it ’ s happening , ” said demonstrator Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson .

Kevin Baxter, Benjamin Oreskes, Kiera Feldman

Demonstrators gather at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Palmdale Station on Saturday to demand justice for the death of Robert Fuller. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Demonstrators gather at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Palmdale Station on Saturday to demand justice for the death of Robert Fuller. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Diamond Alexander, center, sister of Robert Fuller, pleads for justice for her brother as hundreds of gathered in Palmdale on Saturday to mourn his death. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Demonstrators gather at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Palmdale Station on Saturday to demand justice for the death of Robert Fuller. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Protesters gather in a park at Palmdale City Hall on Saturday to mourn the death of a young Black man, Robert Fuller. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Paris Draper, left, leads chants for justice at a protest in Palmdale on Saturday over the death of a young Black man, Robert Fuller. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger on Saturday formally requested that California’s attorney general conduct an independent investigation into the death of a young Black man who was found this week hanging from a tree near Palmdale City Hall.
Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra “will lend additional expertise and oversight into this important investigation and provide the community with the answers they deserve,” Barger said in a statement. “It is my hope that our collective efforts will help to support those struggling and grieving surrounding the circumstances of this tragedy.”
Thousands of protesters gathered in Palmdale on Saturday to mourn 24-year-old Robert Fuller, whose death has sparked alarm in the Antelope Valley as investigators try to determine whether it was a suicide or if foul play was involved.
Authorities initially said they suspected it was a suicide, but then backed off that statement and ordered an autopsy. His body was found hanging from a tree near City Hall early Wednesday.
Many of the people at Saturday’s memorial expressed anger and frustration at Fuller’s death and what they see as a rush by authorities to label it a suicide. On Friday, Lt. Kelly Yagerlener of the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner’s office said a decision on the cause of Fuller’s death has been deferred pending an investigation. A full autopsy is planned.
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“They suspect suicide?” one woman in the crowd said Saturday. “How can they say that? I can say I suspect a lynching.”
“I believe the family deserves the benefit of the doubt. Not the coroner’s office,” said one man, who said he planned to ask the district attorney to investigate the death.
Diamond Alexander, Fuller’s sister, addressed the growing multiethnic crowd in the courtyard behind Palmdale’s City Hall.
Robert Fuller was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale this week. (Courtesy Tommie Anderson)
“We want to find out the truth on what really happened,” Alexander said. “Everything they told us is not right. We just want the truth. My brother was not suicidal. He was a survivor. He was street smart.”
Another speaker, Pharaoh Mitchell, called on the small green space to be renamed Robert Fuller Memorial Park.
Activist Najee Ali then led the crowd, which by noon had swelled to about 2,000, on a half-mile march down the center of Sierra Highway to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, where he first took a knee for a moment of silence before pounding on the glass doors of the building, demanding to speak with an officer.
A dozen deputies in riot helmets stood tightly bunched on the other side of the tinted glass as a Sheriff’s Department helicopter circled overhead. After half an hour, Lt. Derrick Ballentine, the watch commander, came out a side door to address the crowd and take questions.
Fuller’s death is still being investigated by homicide detectives, Ballentine said, adding that he had no updates. The lieutenant said he, personally, would have no problem with an independent probe, which Ali intends to call for on Monday.
But Ballentine said that was not his call. After he spoke, the marchers returned to City Hall in a peaceful march.
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California California’s black lawmakers urge support for bills to address systemic inequality The California Legislative Black Caucus reflected on the death of George Floyd and urged the passage of several bills intended to address inequality in the state.
Fuller’s death has generated intense attention, especially after weeks of protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Kim Kardashian West tweeted about the case, urging people to sign a petition demanding a full investigation.
Community members confronted city officials at a news briefing Friday, questioning why they were quick to label Fuller’s death a suicide and asking whether he might have been a homicide victim.
The residents asked whether there were cameras around the park. The city said there were no outdoor cameras, and video recorders on a nearby traffic signal could not have captured what happened.
Some community members detailed examples of racism in the high desert city, including Confederate flags, and said officials should not be quick to dismiss it as playing a role in Fuller’s death.
“We have a history with nooses. We don’t like ropes around our necks,” said one man. “It was a message for the protest we had in Palmdale and Lancaster.”
City Manager J.J. Murphy acknowledged, “Maybe we should have said it was ‘an alleged suicide.’” Then he added: “Can I also ask that we stop talking about lynchings?”
World & Nation Atlanta police chief resigns, officer fired after fatal shooting of Black man A Black man was shot and killed by police Friday outside a fast-food restaurant in Atlanta. Authorities say he resisted being taken into custody. The officer who shot him is fired and another officer is placed on administrative leave.
The audience erupted with cries of “Hell no!”
“I have doubts about what happened,” said Marisela Barajas, who lives in Palmdale. After the news conference, Barajas walked over and joined a crowd gathering at the tree where Fuller‘s body was found. An American flag flew nearby.
“All alone, in front of the City Hall — it’s more like a statement,” she said. “Even if it was a suicide, that in itself is kind of a statement.”
Palmdale officials said they support an independent investigation of the case.
“The city of Palmdale is joining the family [of Robert Fuller] and the community’s call for justice, and we do support a full investigation into his death,” Palmdale Public Information Officer John Mlynar said. We will settle for nothing less than a thorough accounting of this matter.”
The Antelope Valley has a substantial Black population. There have been repeated allegations of racist policies, including a U.S. Justice Department finding that officials worked to drive Black people out of public housing.
Five years ago, the Los Angeles County Housing Authority agreed to pay $2 million to victims of alleged discrimination, and some families who lost their housing assistance will have the chance to get it back.
At the same time, the Sheriff’s Department agreed to pay $700,000 and implement policies aimed at preventing racial bias. The Justice Department launched an investigation in 2011 into allegations that people of color — particularly Black people — living in federally subsidized housing in Lancaster and Palmdale were being harassed and discriminated against by sheriff’s deputies and county housing agency officials.
More recently, allegation of racism roiled a local school district.
On Saturday, several marches were scheduled throughout Los Angeles County to decry police brutality in the wake of Floyd’s death.
More than a hundred congregants and friends of the Cochran Avenue Baptist Church marched through Mid-Wilshire protesting the treatment of Black people across the country.
At one point, Pastor Charles Johnson asked the marchers to take a knee. He then led them in prayer.
“We pray for a public witness to all the injustice that’s in our community,” he said.
The marchers headed along San Vicente Boulevard winding through residential streets with a stop in a neighborhood known as Little Ethiopia. They were heading to the La Brea Tar Pits.
Antoinette Jordan, 50, marched alongside her boyfriend, Quinn. Jordan attends the church and said it was her third protest march.
Throughout these protests she’s been thinking of her adult sons who are medical caregivers. The last few months have been hard for them.
California Torrance police identify woman who went on anti-Asian racist tirades Torrance police identified the woman at the center of a social media storm over racist, anti-Asian tirades caught on video as Long Beach resident Lena Hernandez, 56.
“You got COVID you gotta worry about, and then you gotta worry about being a Black man,” she said.
These demonstrations “help give people a voice,” she said, “I learned: The louder you sing, the more audible you are, the better your message comes across.”
Outside the largest jail in Los Angeles County, doctors and medical workers donned their white jackets and took to the streets in downtown on Saturday to protest the treatment of black people across America. They drew a direct connection between the racial inequities in healthcare with the danger Black people face in jails and on the street.
Chants of “care, not cages” and “defund the sheriff” rang through the air as two dozen sheriff’s deputies looked on.
“We coming for your budget!” one speaker yelled. “We coming for your pensions!”
In the crowd, medical workers spoke about how they have been held up as heroes during the coronavirus pandemic. It lead many of them to believe that they should use their platform to speak up about how deadly mass incarceration has been to communities of color.
Sapan Thakur, a physical therapist in Pomona, wore a shirt with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick emblazoned on the front under his white jacket. He said the last several weeks have been an awakening for him about the importance of speaking up.
“I was on the sidelines. I was paying attention, but being silent makes you complicit,” he said. “If I can come out on a day off, it’s something.”
Some protesters spoke about how challenging it was for their patients to get satisfactory healthcare and felt that more money should be devoted to programs that house people, educated them and keeps them healthy.
“We’re not just here to do no harm, but to stop harm where it’s happening,” said demonstrator Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson.
City News Service contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-13--Some social distancing with your Chardonnay? Wineries are reopening across California

Though it might seem incongruous to scout out chardonnay during social upheaval and a pandemic , wineries are reopening across California , and their owners and analysts appear cautiously optimistic about future sales and atmospherics .
On opening day at Sonoma ’ s Buena Vista Winery , a couple biked to the historic vineyard ’ s gates and was greeted with a wave by the winery ’ s owner , Jean Charles Boisset , and a man dressed as “ Count ” Agoston Haraszthy , the 19th century Hungarian founder of the winery .
Waiters and hospitality workers buzzed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winery ’ s 1862 landmark bar and restaurant .
They were masked and maintained a safe distance from one another and their restless , anxiously excited guests , who ’ ve been cooped up at home for weeks as a result of the state ’ s shelter-in-place orders .
But it ’ s a slightly different winery than it was before the pandemic .
Communal spit buckets are now prohibited , as are crowded queues around wine-tasting bars .
Instead , guests must make time-restrictive reservations , and wineries must ensure no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks and gloves , and have minimal contact with guests .
“ That ’ s really for everybody ’ s safety , ” said Rene Byck , co-owner of Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa , Calif .
Explaining the new protocol , he said waiters will serve guests at the beginning of a sit-down meal and tasting and provide them with an iPad that presents information about the wines they are trying .
The hope is to have contact between servers and guests only at the beginning and endof each reservation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s nice , ” said Byck of the virtual tutorial provided to guests .
“ People can move through it at their own pace .
And rewind , if they want.
” At Buena Vista , charcuterie plates , salads and other gourmet foods are served in individual plastic boxes along with separate glasses of wine for each variety served .
And toasting — for any occasion — is strictly discouraged among non-household members .
That didn ’ t stop Boisset and the Count from giving an “ air ” toast with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winery .
Though the number of visitors is down from the same time last year , said Boisset , reservations were filling up and walk-ins , like the bicycling couple , were appearing — hoping to relax at a table atop the cobblestone courtyard of the 19th century winery .
And that ’ s something to raise your glass to , said Rob McMillan , executive vice president and founder of Silicon Valley Bank ’ s wine division .
He said the typical small-to medium-sized California winery has taken a 43 % revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the result of combined losses in tasting room and restaurant sales .
Early indications suggest people are busting to return , he said , and although point-of-sale revenues plummeted , online sales skyrocketed — jumping from 5.3 % of total sales from Jan.1 to March 13 , to 19.2 % percent from March 20 to May 8 .
It ’ s a sign that winery owners are finally heeding McMillan ’ s decades-old advice to move more sales and experiences , such as virtual tastings , to the internet and pay attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes a something like a pandemic to unlock your mind , ” he said , and to spur people to “ try new ways to do things.
” For an industry that built itself on location-based experiences — vineyard tours and on-grounds tastings — the new model requires a “ massive shift ” in both self-perception and organizational effort , McMillan said .
According to his data , less than 20 % of wineries have a full-time employee dedicated to analyzing consumer data .
And that , he said , is where winery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is buying their wine ?
What are their interests ?
How can you tap into that to get them excited to buy more wine ?
“ Don ’ t advertise wine cruises if your clientele doesn ’ t like cruises , ” McMillan said .
“ If the data shows your customers like tennis , consider tennis outings as a way to reach them.
” As guests filtered into Buena Vista , Boisset — who was dressed in a royal blue suit with bright red socks and a matching monogrammed face mask — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis .
For instance , he holds a virtual happy hour with the public every Saturday on Facebook , as well as more exclusive experiences for wine club members , such as private cooking lessons with him and a celebrity chef .
McMillan said that since March 20 , wine club memberships grew for most wineries from roughly half of their revenue stream to slightly more than 60 % .
He noted that Boisset , who owns dozens of wineries and specialty food shops throughout California and his native France , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The guy is as sharp as a fox , ” McMillan said .
“ He ’ s willing to try different things.
” Including virtual history lessons with the Hungarian Count — reenacted by Sonoma actor and historian George Webber .
Standing in a top hat , satin vest and 19th century attire , Webber — who was channeling the Count — noted that Buena Vista , which touts itself as California ’ s “ first premium winery , ” has faced its share of catastrophes over the 163 years it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic California wineries .
“ You forget the cholera epidemic of the 1850s , which killed thousands , ” he said , invoking the Count ’ s persona , minus the Hungarian accent .
He then ticked off a list of other events , such as the 1918 flu pandemic , the 1906 San Francisco earthquake , Prohibition and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake — all of which occurred after his death — noting that “ after every event , we came back even stronger.
” Byck , the co-owner of Paradise Ridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not the first time we ’ ve had to think about how to adapt , ” he said .
In October 2017 , the Tubbs fire burned Paradise Ridge to the ground .
Not long after , the business faced floods .
After two years , the winery finally reopened its pavilion in December 2019 , only to be closed again because of the pandemic .
Byck said he ’ s hopeful his online sales and virtual experiences will make up for the loss in in-person revenue and tours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buena Vista , his winery has been focusing more on both virtual and off-location event .
Before the pandemic , he and his team were regularly flying across the country to bring tasting-room experiences to the homes of out-of-state wine club members .
In addition , the winery ’ s new events venue has ample patio and outdoor space , providing room for dining and tasting experiences — as long as guests bring masks and keep socially distanced from one another while on the premises .
For the wineries that do have outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On a recent Friday , Katie Bundschu , of Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma , greeted guests who ’ d reserved 90-minute slots for tastings on her breathtaking 120-acre property .
A DJ mixed tunes at the winery ’ s entrance while staff roamed the property , directing guests to the outdoor tasting and dining stations .
Bundschu said 45 reservations had been made for opening day , and roughly 200 each day for both Saturday and Sunday — a dip from typical weekend numbers , which generally hover around 600 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Troy Tanga , a Gundlach Bundschu wine club member and Sonoma resident , who was relishing the experience — delighted to be back at the winery with a small group of friends .
“ We ’ re all ready to get back to business .
”

Wine educator David Mayer pours glasses of 2017 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel for guests at the Inglenook winery Friday, June 12, 2020, in Rutherford, Calif. The historic winery, which dates to 1879, reopened Friday to wine club members after being closed since mid March because of the coronavirus threat. It will be open to the public on June 25.
Though it might seem incongruous to scout out chardonnay during social upheaval and a pandemic, wineries are reopening across California, and their owners and analysts appear cautiously optimistic about future sales and atmospherics.
For now.
On opening day at Sonoma’s Buena Vista Winery, a couple biked to the historic vineyard’s gates and was greeted with a wave by the winery’s owner, Jean Charles Boisset, and a man dressed as “Count” Agoston Haraszthy, the 19th century Hungarian founder of the winery.
Waiters and hospitality workers buzzed in and out of the Press House, the winery’s 1862 landmark bar and restaurant. They were masked and maintained a safe distance from one another and their restless, anxiously excited guests, who’ve been cooped up at home for weeks as a result of the state’s shelter-in-place orders.
Advertisement
Sonoma actor and historian George Webber greets visitors in the role of “Count” Agoston Haraszthy, the 19th century Hungarian founder of the Buena Vista Winery, at Buena Vista in Sonoma on May 29, 2020.
(Susanne Rust/Los Angeles Times)
But it’s a slightly different winery than it was before the pandemic.
Communal spit buckets are now prohibited, as are crowded queues around wine-tasting bars. Instead, guests must make time-restrictive reservations, and wineries must ensure no overlap.
Servers are required to wear masks and gloves, and have minimal contact with guests.
“That’s really for everybody’s safety,” said Rene Byck, co-owner of Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa, Calif.
Explaining the new protocol, he said waiters will serve guests at the beginning of a sit-down meal and tasting and provide them with an iPad that presents information about the wines they are trying. The hope is to have contact between servers and guests only at the beginning and endof each reservation.
“In some ways, it’s nice,” said Byck of the virtual tutorial provided to guests. “People can move through it at their own pace. And rewind, if they want.”
At Buena Vista, charcuterie plates, salads and other gourmet foods are served in individual plastic boxes along with separate glasses of wine for each variety served.
Advertisement
And toasting — for any occasion — is strictly discouraged among non-household members.
That didn’t stop Boisset and the Count from giving an “air” toast with a visitor to the successful reopening of the winery.
Though the number of visitors is down from the same time last year, said Boisset, reservations were filling up and walk-ins, like the bicycling couple, were appearing — hoping to relax at a table atop the cobblestone courtyard of the 19th century winery.
And that’s something to raise your glass to, said Rob McMillan, executive vice president and founder of Silicon Valley Bank’s wine division. He said the typical small to medium-size California winery has taken a 43% revenue hit since the start of the pandemic — the result of combined losses in tasting room and restaurant sales.
Early indications suggest people are busting to return, he said, and although point-of-sale revenues plummeted, online sales skyrocketed — jumping from 5.3% of total sales from Jan. 1 to March 13, to 19.2% from March 20 to May 8.
It’s a sign that winery owners are finally heeding McMillan’s decades-old advice to move more sales and experiences, such as virtual tastings, to the internet and pay attention to consumer data.
“It sometimes takes something like a pandemic to unlock your mind,” he said, and to spur people to “try new ways to do things.”
For an industry that built itself on location-based experiences — vineyard tours and on-grounds tastings — the new model requires a “massive shift” in both self-perception and organizational effort, McMillan said.
According to his data, less than 20% of wineries have a full-time employee dedicated to analyzing consumer data.
And that, he said, is where winery owners need to be looking: Who is buying their wine? What are their interests? How can you tap into that to get them excited to buy more wine?
“Don’t advertise wine cruises if your clientele doesn’t like cruises,” McMillan said. “If the data shows your customers like tennis, consider tennis outings as a way to reach them.”
Jean Charles Boisset, owner of the Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, Calif., greets guests on May 29. (Susanne Rust / Los Angeles Times)
As guests filtered into Buena Vista, Boisset — who was dressed in a royal blue suit with bright red socks and a matching monogrammed face mask — discussed the ways his company pivoted during the crisis.
For instance, he holds a virtual happy hour with the public every Saturday on Facebook, as well as more exclusive experiences for wine club members, such as private cooking lessons with him and a celebrity chef.
McMillan said that since March 20, wine club memberships grew for most wineries from roughly half of their revenue stream to slightly more than 60%.
He noted that Boisset, who owns dozens of wineries and specialty food shops throughout California and his native France, was ahead of the curve on online experience.
“The guy is as sharp as a fox,” McMillan said. “He’s willing to try different things.”
Including virtual history lessons with the Hungarian Count — reenacted by Sonoma actor and historian George Webber.
Standing in a top hat, satin vest and 19th century attire, Webber — who was channeling the Count — noted that Buena Vista, which touts itself as California’s “first premium winery,” has faced its share of catastrophes over the 163 years it has been around. So have other historic California wineries.
“You forget the cholera epidemic of the 1850s, which killed thousands,” he said, invoking the Count’s persona, minus the Hungarian accent. He then ticked off a list of other events, such as the 1918 flu pandemic, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Prohibition and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake — all of which occurred after his death — noting that “after every event, we came back even stronger.”
Byck, the co-owner of Paradise Ridge Winery, shares that sentiment.
“It’s not the first time we’ve had to think about how to adapt,” he said.
In October 2017, the Tubbs fire burned Paradise Ridge to the ground. Not long after, the business faced floods.
After two years, the winery finally reopened its pavilion in December 2019, only to be closed again because of the pandemic.
Byck said he’s hopeful his online sales and virtual experiences will make up for the loss in in-person revenue and tours.
He said that like Boisset’s Buena Vista, his winery has been focusing more on both virtual and off-location events. Before the pandemic, he and his team were regularly flying across the country to bring tasting-room experiences to the homes of out-of-state wine club members.
In addition, the winery’s new events venue has ample patio and outdoor space, providing room for dining and tasting experiences — as long as guests bring masks and keep socially distanced from one another while on the premises.
For the wineries that do have outdoor space, things will be easier.
On a recent Friday, Katie Bundschu, of Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma, greeted guests who’d reserved 90-minute slots for tastings on her breathtaking 120-acre property.
A DJ mixed tunes at the winery’s entrance while staff roamed the property, directing guests to the outdoor tasting and dining stations.
Bundschu said 45 reservations had been made for opening day, and roughly 200 each day for both Saturday and Sunday — a dip from typical weekend numbers, which generally hover around 600.
“It’s about time,” said Troy Tanga, a Gundlach Bundschu wine club member and Sonoma resident, who was relishing the experience — delighted to be back at the winery with a small group of friends. “We’re all ready to get back to business.”


latimes--2020-06-14--Elected officials call for independent investigation into hanging death of Black man in Palmdale

Two state officials have joined a Los Angeles County supervisor in calling on California Atty .
Gen. Xavier Beccera to investigate the death of a young Black man found hanging from a tree in a park near Palmdale City Hall .
`` `` The attorney general , as the lead attorney and law enforcement official for the state of California , will lend additional expertise and oversight into this important investigation and provide the community with the answers they deserve , ” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger , who called for the independent inquiry along with state Sen. Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lackey of Palmdale , both Republicans .
Robert Fuller , 24 , was found on the edge of a 2-acre courtyard known as Poncitlán Square early Wednesday .
The Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner ’ s office initially labeled the death a suicide .
Fuller ’ s family and civic leaders quickly pushed back , insisting that it be investigated as a homicide and demanding an independent probe and autopsy , something the city also has requested .
“ The City of Palmdale is joining the family and the community ’ s call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full investigation into his death , ” the city said in a statement , contradicting previous assertions by both City Manager J.J. Murphy and Capt .
Ron Shaffer of the L.A. County Sheriff ’ s Department .
Nearly 2,000 people gathered in Palmdale on Saturday to demand answers about Fuller ’ s death and to mourn the man who was described by family and friends as a peacemaker with a bright smile .
He loved music , anime and video games , and mostly stayed to himself , they said .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Fuller ’ s sister , Diamond Alexander .
“ We want to find out the truth of what really happened .
Everything that they ’ ve been telling us has not been right .
“ To be here , staring at this tree , it don ’ t make no sense , ” Alexander added .
“ My brother was not suicidal .
My brother was a survivor.
” On Saturday , Wilk tweeted that “ transparency leads to accountability which leads to trust.
” “ Robert Fuller ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have closure [ without ] a complete independent investigation , ” he wrote .
Fuller ’ s death has generated intense scrutiny amid a backdrop of nationwide protests set in motion by the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , and the systemic racial injustices those deaths have come to represent .
The case brought to light the suspicious death of another Black man who was found hanging from a tree May 31 in Victorville , 50 miles from Palmdale .
The San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department said Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch .
“ There were no indications at the scene that suggested foul play ; however , the cause and manner of death are still pending , ” Sheriff ’ s Department spokeswoman Jodi Miller told the In a statement sent to the news outlet , Harsch ’ s family in Ohio said they find it hard to accept that his death was a suicide .
They said Harsch had recent conversations with his children about seeing them soon and that he did not seem to be depressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible , ” the family wrote .
“ There are many ways to die but considering the current racial tension , a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn ’ t sit well with us right now.
” Times staff writers Kevin Baxter and Deborah Netburn contributed to this report .

Diamond Alexander, center, sister of Robert Fuller, joined hundreds of demonstrators in Palmdale on Saturday calling for an independent investigation of her brother’s death.
Two state officials have joined a Los Angeles County supervisor in calling on California Atty. Gen. Xavier Beccera to investigate the death of a young Black man found hanging from a tree in a park near Palmdale City Hall.
“``The attorney general, as the lead attorney and law enforcement official for the state of California, will lend additional expertise and oversight into this important investigation and provide the community with the answers they deserve,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who called for the independent inquiry along with state Sen. Scott Wilk of Santa Clarita and Assemblyman Tom Lackey of Palmdale, both Republicans.
Robert Fuller, 24, was found on the edge of a 2-acre courtyard known as Poncitlán Square early Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner’s office initially labeled the death a suicide. Fuller’s family and civic leaders quickly pushed back, insisting that it be investigated as a homicide and demanding an independent probe and autopsy, something the city also has requested.
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“The City of Palmdale is joining the family and the community’s call for justice and we do support a full investigation into his death,” the city said in a statement, contradicting previous assertions by both City Manager J.J. Murphy and Capt. Ron Shaffer of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.
Nearly 2,000 people gathered in Palmdale on Saturday to demand answers about Fuller’s death and to mourn the man who was described by family and friends as a peacemaker with a bright smile. He loved music, anime and video games, and mostly stayed to himself, they said.
“This is really crazy to all of us,” said Fuller’s sister, Diamond Alexander. “We want to find out the truth of what really happened. Everything that they’ve been telling us has not been right.
“To be here, staring at this tree, it don’t make no sense,” Alexander added. “My brother was not suicidal. My brother was a survivor.”
Robert Fuller, the young Black man found hanging from a tree in Palmdale this week. (Courtesy Tommie Anderson)
On Saturday, Wilk tweeted that “transparency leads to accountability which leads to trust.”
“Robert Fuller’s family and our community can’t have closure [without] a complete independent investigation,” he wrote.
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Fuller’s death has generated intense scrutiny amid a backdrop of nationwide protests set in motion by the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the systemic racial injustices those deaths have come to represent.
The case brought to light the suspicious death of another Black man who was found hanging from a tree May 31 in Victorville, 50 miles from Palmdale. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Saturday that foul play was not suspected in the death of 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch.
“There were no indications at the scene that suggested foul play; however, the cause and manner of death are still pending,” Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Jodi Miller told the Victor Valley News.
In a statement sent to the news outlet, Harsch’s family in Ohio said they find it hard to accept that his death was a suicide. They said Harsch had recent conversations with his children about seeing them soon and that he did not seem to be depressed to anyone who knew him.
“The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible,” the family wrote. “There are many ways to die but considering the current racial tension, a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn’t sit well with us right now.”
Times staff writers Kevin Baxter and Deborah Netburn contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-14--L.A. County reports 1,003 additional coronavirus cases, 17 more deaths

Los Angeles County public health officials Sunday reported 1,003 new cases of the coronavirus and 17 related deaths .
The county now has recorded more than 73,000 cases of the virus , and more than 2,900 people have died .
The number of new cases reported by the county each day has continued to rise , topping 1,000 each day last week except for Monday , when case counts are usually lower due to decreased weekend testing .
On Thursday , the county reported its highest one-day total of new cases , nearly 1,850 , but said 600 of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials have attributed the rise in daily new cases to increased testing , but said that more widespread transmission also is possible as more businesses reopen and more people leave their homes .
Still , the county fell below its goal of performing an average of 15,000 tests each day over the last week , instead averaging 12,494 daily tests , according to the latest figure on the Department of Public Health dashboard that tracks reopening metrics .
Two weeks ago , many testing sites were temporarily closed due to protests over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Black Americans , which probably contributed to the decline .
By other measures , though , L.A. County appears to remain in good shape in its fight against the virus .
The average number of daily hospitalizations continues to decline slightly .
There were 1,383 confirmed coronavirus patients in county hospitals Sunday , with 30 % in intensive care and 20 % on ventilators .
A total of 803,000 people had been tested and received their results , with 8 % testing positive .
That came after the positivity rate briefly rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are keeping a close eye on that rate because they say it ’ s a better indicator of whether there is increased community spread than the daily number of new cases .
California has seen a similar increase in new cases statewide , reporting its highest one-day total Thursday and then again Friday .
The state has recorded more than 151,000 cases of the virus and more than 5,000 related deaths .
Orange County reported its highest one-day total of new cases Sunday , logging 304 new infections .
The county also reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8,573 cases and 221 deaths .
The county has recently seen an increase in coronavirus-related hospitalizations , which rose above 300 for the first time last week .
As of Sunday , 290 people were hospitalized , with 144 of them in intensive care .
The increases come as more businesses have been permitted to reopen ; in many counties , gyms , day camps , museums and hotels resumed operations Friday .
Counties can elect to allow nail salons , massage studios and tattoo parlors to reopen starting Friday .

Mayra Trejo, right, a guest services employee, gives shopper Ada Gao, 8, of Irvine a protective mask to wear while shopping with her family at South Coast Plaza during its reopening Thursday in Costa Mesa.
Los Angeles County public health officials Sunday reported 1,003 new cases of the coronavirus and 17 related deaths.
The county now has recorded more than 73,000 cases of the virus, and more than 2,900 people have died.
The number of new cases reported by the county each day has continued to rise, topping 1,000 each day last week except for Monday, when case counts are usually lower due to decreased weekend testing. On Thursday, the county reported its highest one-day total of new cases, nearly 1,850, but said 600 of them were from a backlog of test results.
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Officials have attributed the rise in daily new cases to increased testing, but said that more widespread transmission also is possible as more businesses reopen and more people leave their homes.
Still, the county fell below its goal of performing an average of 15,000 tests each day over the last week, instead averaging 12,494 daily tests, according to the latest figure on the Department of Public Health dashboard that tracks reopening metrics. Two weeks ago, many testing sites were temporarily closed due to protests over the police killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans, which probably contributed to the decline.
By other measures, though, L.A. County appears to remain in good shape in its fight against the virus. The average number of daily hospitalizations continues to decline slightly. There were 1,383 confirmed coronavirus patients in county hospitals Sunday, with 30% in intensive care and 20% on ventilators.
A total of 803,000 people had been tested and received their results, with 8% testing positive. That came after the positivity rate briefly rose to 9% on Saturday.
Officials are keeping a close eye on that rate because they say it’s a better indicator of whether there is increased community spread than the daily number of new cases.
California has seen a similar increase in new cases statewide, reporting its highest one-day total Thursday and then again Friday. The state has recorded more than 151,000 cases of the virus and more than 5,000 related deaths.
Orange County reported its highest one-day total of new cases Sunday, logging 304 new infections. The county also reported four deaths, bringing its total to 8,573 cases and 221 deaths.
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The county has recently seen an increase in coronavirus-related hospitalizations, which rose above 300 for the first time last week. As of Sunday, 290 people were hospitalized, with 144 of them in intensive care.
The increases come as more businesses have been permitted to reopen; in many counties, gyms, day camps, museums and hotels resumed operations Friday. Counties can elect to allow nail salons, massage studios and tattoo parlors to reopen starting Friday.


latimes--2020-06-14--Thousands march in Hollywood for LGBTQ rights and racial justice

Thousands of “ All Black Lives Matter ” demonstrators converged on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre on Sunday , denouncing racial injustice and supporting LGBTQ rights , before marching on to West Hollywood as protests continued nationwide .
The was organized by the Black Advisory Board , made up of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations .
On the , the board posted a statement announcing a protest “ in direct response to racial injustice , systemic racism , and all forms of oppression.
” Some activists gathered around President Trump ’ s star on the Walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office because of his divisive rhetoric and insensitivity to racial justice issues .
Chantelle Hershberger , an organizer with RefuseFascism.org in Los Angeles , connected the swell of concern about police tactics and racism with the president ’ s rhetoric in office .
“ Trump is not separated from what ’ s happening right now .
There is a whole connection with this normalization of police brutality , ” she said , recalling a speech the president once made in which he jokingly encouraged rough treatment of people arrested by police .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s in power .
We can ’ t live another day in this nightmare.
” Some protesters gathered around the president ’ s star , which has been defaced in the past , and a handful of young men stopped to bang their skateboards on his name .
By 11 a.m. , a large and peaceful crowd of protesters that appeared to number in the thousands had swelled along a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard , between North Highland and La Brea avenues , that was painted with the words “ All Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the diversity of the LGBTQ community .
A portrait of George Floyd , killed by a police officer in Minneapolis , flashed on a screen outside the legendary Chinese Theatre as protesters chanted , “ No justice , no peace !
” Greg Austin , 31 , said Sunday ’ s massive turnout , where activists carried rainbow-infused “ All Black Lives Matter ” signs and marched together , was evidence of a desire for change that ’ s been building for years amid high-profile police shootings across the country .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death signaled that momentum was building toward police reform .
“ We ’ re not saying that every cop is bad .
We just wish they would follow a different method , ” said Austin , who is gay and Black .
“ This is an eye-opener for everyone .
I ’ m hoping that this will show that the police need better training for their officers.
” Hollywood Boulevard was closed to traffic , and there was little police presence .
Before the march to West Hollywood began , the crowd gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of the street to listen to speakers in support of gay and transgender people of color and to cheer the “ All Black Lives Matter ” theme of the event .
Some speakers focused their attention on local elected officials , particularly Los Angeles County Dist .
Atty .
Jackie Lacey , who ’ s locked in a competitive reelection contest against former San Francisco Dist .
Atty .
George Gascón .
Danny Gresham , an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation , shouted encouragement over a loudspeaker for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose record on police use-of-force cases has become an issue in the campaign .
Gresham complained about the tactics shown by law enforcement during recent protests , calling it the “ militarization ” of law enforcement .
“ This is what our hard-earned tax money is going to .
Do we want that ?
” Gresham shouted , and the crowd shouted back , “ No !
” “ We want reinvesting and rebuilding in our communities , ” Gresham said .
“ We shouldn ’ t be having to fight for housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight for heathcare .
We shouldn ’ t have to be demanding to defund the police.
” Chants rang out among the crowd : “ Prosecute killer cops !
” “ Black lives matter !
” Signs displayed the diversity of the crowd : “ Jews for Black Lives.
” “ LatinX for Black Lives.
” On the Hollywood Walk of Fame , a white woman with a rainbow flag draped over her shoulders blew bubbles as she passed David Hasselhoff ’ s star , and a Black man passed with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trans Lives Matter.
” Most participants , by far , wore face masks because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Walking down Sunset Boulevard , Ammie Robinson , 37 , of Huntington Park , said that as a Black and queer person and as a woman , she had a “ triple whammy ” when it came to fighting for her rights .
She marched with her girlfriend , Kimiko McCarthy , 31 , who also is Black .
They both wore black face masks with the words “ Black Lives Matter.
” Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , it is mostly white voices that are heard and that discrimination exists .
“ Sometimes , there ’ s not space for Black people , ” she said .
“ You ’ re fighting for space in your own community.
” McCarthy carried a cardboard sign that read , “ Hey WeHo Black Queers Exist !
!
!
# MakeSpace.
” She says that , although it is a celebrated LGBTQ haven , West Hollywood — which is mostly white — is not always welcoming .
McCarthy said LA Pride also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d just spoken with a friend , another Black queer woman , who did not attend the march because she didn ’ t feel welcome in what she thought was a white space .
“ I respect that , ” McCarthy said .
“ I told her I ’ d let her know how it goes .
I heard about this weeks ago , and of course I wanted to be here to represent both sides of who I am.
” McCarthy said before attending she ’ d given it some thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to be seen .
She was inspired by the massive , diverse crowd .
Among the signs people carried : “ Racism ain ’ t a good look , honey.
” “ Racists , sashay away !
” And one sign read : “ Less Karens , more caring.
” The smell of sage lingered in the air along much of the route , and every street was lined with people handing out water and snacks for marchers on a bright , warm summer day .
The crowd was huge , diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 , of Leimert Park , wore a blue surgical mask and carried a sign that read : “ To be a Black queer woman in Amerikkka is a triple threat ... and NOT in a good way.
” This was her first-ever protest .
“ I ’ m a Black bisexual woman in America , ” she said .
“ It ’ s intimidating to men especially .
...
I ’ m hurt that Black people want to live their lives , and their lives are taken from them.
” Eyvonne Leach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black face mask and a feathery pair of rainbow-colored wings as she stood near Hollywood Boulevard .
“ I am a Black woman , ” she said .
“ I am a lesbian woman .
We ’ re tired of all the hate and all the killing.
” Leach said that because everyone was forced to stay home and put their lives on pause because of the novel coronavirus , more were aware of the death of George Floyd .
People had to pay attention to the racism that the country has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the universe working , ” she said .
“ People are tired .
If we weren ’ t forced to stay in the house , we wouldn ’ t have seen what happened .
...
It would have been another killing , another Black killing.
” As a Black lesbian , Leach said she ’ d had to fight doubly hard against discrimination .
But she feels like being Black comes first .
“ You have to put your Blackness first , ” she said .
“ My lesbianism , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman in America , it is really tough.
” Amris Mendoza , 25 , flew in from Dallas for Sunday ’ s event , her first protest march .
She was with Laken Blanco near the Laugh Factory when the 32-year-old asked Mendoza to be her girlfriend .
Blanco recently moved to Hollywood from Dallas .
Mendoza , overwhelmed with emotion , said yes .
“ I just love her so much , ” she said .
The women , who are Latina , said it was inspiring to see Sunday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and religions , coming together in support of Black lives .
They were especially moved , they said , since their roots were in deep-red Texas .
“ It ’ s historical , ” Mendoza said of the march .
“ Everybody is here to support diversity , ” Blanca added .
“ It doesn ’ t matter what race we are .
We can all come together.
” Additional protests were scheduled across Los Angeles for Sunday — the latest actions in

Thousands of “All Black Lives Matter” demonstrators converged on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre on Sunday, denouncing racial injustice and supporting LGBTQ rights, before marching on to West Hollywood as protests continued nationwide.
The march was organized by the Black Advisory Board, made up of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations. On the event’s website , the board posted a statement announcing a protest “in direct response to racial injustice, systemic racism, and all forms of oppression.”
Some activists gathered around President Trump’s star on the Walk of Fame and demanded his removal from office because of his divisive rhetoric and insensitivity to racial justice issues.
Advertisement
Chantelle Hershberger, an organizer with RefuseFascism.org in Los Angeles, connected the swell of concern about police tactics and racism with the president’s rhetoric in office.
“Trump is not separated from what’s happening right now. There is a whole connection with this normalization of police brutality,” she said, recalling a speech the president once made in which he jokingly encouraged rough treatment of people arrested by police. “It’s unbelievable that he’s in power. We can’t live another day in this nightmare.”
Some protesters gathered around the president’s star, which has been defaced in the past, and a handful of young men stopped to bang their skateboards on his name.
By 11 a.m., a large and peaceful crowd of protesters that appeared to number in the thousands had swelled along a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, between North Highland and La Brea avenues, that was painted with the words “All Black Lives Matter” in rainbow colors, representing the diversity of the LGBTQ community.
A portrait of George Floyd, killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, flashed on a screen outside the legendary Chinese Theatre as protesters chanted, “No justice, no peace!”
Advertisement
Greg Austin, 31, said Sunday’s massive turnout, where activists carried rainbow-infused “All Black Lives Matter” signs and marched together, was evidence of a desire for change that’s been building for years amid high-profile police shootings across the country. He said the national outcry over Floyd’s death signaled that momentum was building toward police reform.
“All Black Lives Matter” is painted on Hollywood Boulevard in front of TCL Chinese Theatre, historically known as Grauman’s, in Hollywood on Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
“We’re not saying that every cop is bad. We just wish they would follow a different method,” said Austin, who is gay and Black. “This is an eye-opener for everyone. I’m hoping that this will show that the police need better training for their officers.”
Hollywood Boulevard was closed to traffic, and there was little police presence. Before the march to West Hollywood began, the crowd gathered around a few flatbed trucks parked in the middle of the street to listen to speakers in support of gay and transgender people of color and to cheer the “All Black Lives Matter” theme of the event.
Some speakers focused their attention on local elected officials, particularly Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey, who’s locked in a competitive reelection contest against former San Francisco Dist. Atty. George Gascón.
Danny Gresham, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, shouted encouragement over a loudspeaker for people to protest the incumbent prosecutor, whose record on police use-of-force cases has become an issue in the campaign. Gresham complained about the tactics shown by law enforcement during recent protests, calling it the “militarization” of law enforcement.
“This is what our hard-earned tax money is going to. Do we want that?” Gresham shouted, and the crowd shouted back, “No!”
“We want reinvesting and rebuilding in our communities,” Gresham said. “We shouldn’t be having to fight for housing. We shouldn’t be having to fight for heathcare. We shouldn’t have to be demanding to defund the police.”
Chants rang out among the crowd: “Prosecute killer cops!” “Black lives matter!” Signs displayed the diversity of the crowd: “Jews for Black Lives.” “LatinX for Black Lives.”
On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a white woman with a rainbow flag draped over her shoulders blew bubbles as she passed David Hasselhoff’s star, and a Black man passed with a cardboard sign that said, “Black Trans Lives Matter.”
Most participants, by far, wore face masks because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walking down Sunset Boulevard, Ammie Robinson, 37, of Huntington Park, said that as a Black and queer person and as a woman, she had a “triple whammy” when it came to fighting for her rights. She marched with her girlfriend, Kimiko McCarthy, 31, who also is Black. They both wore black face masks with the words “Black Lives Matter.”
Robinson says that, even within the LGBTQ community, it is mostly white voices that are heard and that discrimination exists.
“Sometimes, there’s not space for Black people,” she said. “You’re fighting for space in your own community.”
McCarthy carried a cardboard sign that read, “Hey WeHo Black Queers Exist!!! #MakeSpace.” She says that, although it is a celebrated LGBTQ haven, West Hollywood — which is mostly white — is not always welcoming. McCarthy said LA Pride also was not welcoming. She said she’d just spoken with a friend, another Black queer woman, who did not attend the march because she didn’t feel welcome in what she thought was a white space.
“I respect that,” McCarthy said. “I told her I’d let her know how it goes. I heard about this weeks ago, and of course I wanted to be here to represent both sides of who I am.”
McCarthy said before attending she’d given it some thought and decided that it was powerful and important to be seen. She was inspired by the massive, diverse crowd.
Among the signs people carried: “Racism ain’t a good look, honey.” “Racists, sashay away!” And one sign read: “Less Karens, more caring.”
The smell of sage lingered in the air along much of the route, and every street was lined with people handing out water and snacks for marchers on a bright, warm summer day.
The crowd was huge, diverse — and young.
Jolie Ruffin, 24, of Leimert Park, wore a blue surgical mask and carried a sign that read: “To be a Black queer woman in Amerikkka is a triple threat ... and NOT in a good way.”
This was her first-ever protest.
“I’m a Black bisexual woman in America,” she said. “It’s intimidating to men especially. ... I’m hurt that Black people want to live their lives, and their lives are taken from them.”
Eyvonne Leach, 40, of Inglewood, wore a black face mask and a feathery pair of rainbow-colored wings as she stood near Hollywood Boulevard.
“I am a Black woman,” she said. “I am a lesbian woman. We’re tired of all the hate and all the killing.”
Leach said that because everyone was forced to stay home and put their lives on pause because of the novel coronavirus, more were aware of the death of George Floyd. People had to pay attention to the racism that the country has always struggled with.
“I believe this is the universe working,” she said. “People are tired. If we weren’t forced to stay in the house, we wouldn’t have seen what happened. ... It would have been another killing, another Black killing.”
As a Black lesbian, Leach said she’d had to fight doubly hard against discrimination. But she feels like being Black comes first.
“You have to put your Blackness first,” she said. “My lesbianism, that comes later. Being Black and a woman in America, it is really tough.”
Amris Mendoza, 25, flew in from Dallas for Sunday’s event, her first protest march. She was with Laken Blanco near the Laugh Factory when the 32-year-old asked Mendoza to be her girlfriend. Blanco recently moved to Hollywood from Dallas.
Mendoza, overwhelmed with emotion, said yes. “I just love her so much,” she said.
The women, who are Latina, said it was inspiring to see Sunday’s diverse crowd, a mix of races and religions, coming together in support of Black lives. They were especially moved, they said, since their roots were in deep-red Texas.
“It’s historical,” Mendoza said of the march.
“Everybody is here to support diversity,” Blanca added. “It doesn’t matter what race we are. We can all come together.”


latimes--2020-06-14--Beverly Hills restricts nighttime assemblies after protests 'disrupted the tranquility'

The city of Beverly Hills on Saturday issued an order restricting nighttime assemblies after a noisy protest disturbed residents the night before , officials said .
The order , which took effect Saturday night and was to remain in place until further notice , states that no more than 10 people are allowed to gather for an assembly in a residential area between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. An assembly is defined as a gathering in a public place that consists of 10 or more people who have a common goal .
Silent assemblies such as candlelight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private property , are exempt , and assemblies in the business district are still permitted .
The city proclaimed a local emergency May 30 in the midst of protests decrying the police killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans .
Demonstrations reached Beverly Hills , and there were reports of vandalism and property damage by some who authorities said used the protests as cover to commit illegal acts .
The order restricting nighttime assemblies cites the events of May 30 , as well as an “ Occupy ” protest that was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The protest “ included bullhorns and amplified music and disrupted the tranquility of the residential neighborhood during hours when many people would ordinarily be sleeping , ” the order states .
The city has deemed it necessary to limit the use of residential neighborhoods at night to allow residents to sleep , according to the order .
Those who violate the order can face arrest and be charged with a misdemeanor .

Rodeo Drive is quiet and empty, with many of the world’s biggest fashion brands clearing out their stores after closing under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order in response to the coronavirus, last week, photographed March 22, 2020.
The city of Beverly Hills on Saturday issued an order restricting nighttime assemblies after a noisy protest disturbed residents the night before, officials said.
The order, which took effect Saturday night and was to remain in place until further notice, states that no more than 10 people are allowed to gather for an assembly in a residential area between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. An assembly is defined as a gathering in a public place that consists of 10 or more people who have a common goal.
Silent assemblies such as candlelight vigils, as well as those on private property, are exempt, and assemblies in the business district are still permitted.
The city proclaimed a local emergency May 30 in the midst of protests decrying the police killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans. Demonstrations reached Beverly Hills, and there were reports of vandalism and property damage by some who authorities said used the protests as cover to commit illegal acts.
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The order restricting nighttime assemblies cites the events of May 30, as well as an “Occupy” protest that was held Friday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The protest “included bullhorns and amplified music and disrupted the tranquility of the residential neighborhood during hours when many people would ordinarily be sleeping,” the order states.
The city has deemed it necessary to limit the use of residential neighborhoods at night to allow residents to sleep, according to the order.
Those who violate the order can face arrest and be charged with a misdemeanor.


latimes--2020-06-14--Police fatally shoot man who they say appeared to have a gun; witness believes it was a flashlight

San Bernardino police shot and killed a man who was carrying what appeared to be a handgun during a standoff Saturday night at a local gas station , authorities said .
Some witnesses described the object as a flashlight .
Police received a call reporting a man waving a handgun at Del Rosa Avenue and Date Street shortly before 8:30 p.m. , the Police Department said in a statement .
When officers arrived , the man was still carrying what appeared to be a black handgun in his hand , police said .
At least one officer can be heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun down ” on a video shown on some local news channels .
At one point , one or more officers fired their weapons , striking the man .
He was taken to a hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
Delina Miranda , a cashier at a Circle K convenience store across the street , witnessed the incident .
Hours before , she saw the same man rummaging in the garbage for food and panhandling , she said .
She told the man he could not do that at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The man , who frequented the area , was harmless , she said .
At the time , Miranda said she saw him using a flashlight to dig through the trash .
Miranda said she believed the police mistook the flashlight for a gun .
The man then went to the Valero across the street and later the Exxon .
He was then met with more than eight shots by police , Miranda said .
A second witness to the shooting , who did not want to be named , also said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police did not immediately say whether a gun was recovered at the scene but released several photographs that showed a man holding an object that resembled a handgun .
In one photo , he appears to be pointing the object at a police car .
Miranda said she shot video of the encounter , which was also posted to YouTube .
Officers can be heard shouting at the man to “ drop the gun ” as he stands with his arms at his sides .
The video captures the sound of gunfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the camera frame when the shooting took place , and any possible actions by the man can ’ t be seen .
His name was not released .

An image shows the confrontation Saturday night between San Bernardino police and a man holding up an object.
San Bernardino police shot and killed a man who was carrying what appeared to be a handgun during a standoff Saturday night at a local gas station, authorities said.
Some witnesses described the object as a flashlight.
Police received a call reporting a man waving a handgun at Del Rosa Avenue and Date Street shortly before 8:30 p.m., the Police Department said in a statement.
When officers arrived, the man was still carrying what appeared to be a black handgun in his hand, police said. At least one officer can be heard yelling at the man to “put the gun down” on a video shown on some local news channels.
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At one point, one or more officers fired their weapons, striking the man. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Delina Miranda, a cashier at a Circle K convenience store across the street, witnessed the incident.
Hours before, she saw the same man rummaging in the garbage for food and panhandling, she said.
She told the man he could not do that at the gas station and turned him away. The man, who frequented the area, was harmless, she said. At the time, Miranda said she saw him using a flashlight to dig through the trash.
Miranda said she believed the police mistook the flashlight for a gun.
The man then went to the Valero across the street and later the Exxon. He was then met with more than eight shots by police, Miranda said.
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A second witness to the shooting, who did not want to be named, also said the man appeared to be holding a flashlight.
Police did not immediately say whether a gun was recovered at the scene but released several photographs that showed a man holding an object that resembled a handgun. In one photo, he appears to be pointing the object at a police car.
This is an ongoing investigation, please see the attached photographs from this incident. (Page 4) pic.twitter.com/TqgreqK16a — San Bernardino PD (@SanBernardinoPD) June 14, 2020
Miranda said she shot video of the encounter. Video was also posted to YouTube. Officers can be heard shouting at the man to “drop the gun” as he stands with his arms at his sides. The video captures the sound of gunfire, but the man was out of the camera frame when the shooting took place, and any possible actions by the man can’t be seen.
His name was not released.


latimes--2020-06-14--'All Black Lives Matter' painted on Hollywood Boulevard

“ All Black Lives Matter ” was painted in a rainbow of colors along a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday , one of the latest moves in ongoing protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd .
Hollywood Boulevard has been the scene of numerous protests in the last two weeks , including one last Sunday that drew more than 20,000 people .
Another is planned this morning .
The All Black Lives Matter march , organized by a Black Advisory Board made up of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in West Hollywood .
On the event ’ s website , the board posted a statement announcing a protest “ in direct response to racial injustice , systemic racism , and all forms of oppression.
” Additional protests were scheduled across Los Angeles for Sunday — the latest actions in a weekend of demonstrations .
On Saturday , more than a hundred congregants and friends of the Cochran Avenue Baptist Church the treatment of Black people across the country .
At one point , Pastor Charles Johnson asked the marchers to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prayer .
“ We pray for a public witness to all the injustice that ’ s in our community , ” he said .
The marchers headed along San Vicente Boulevard , winding through residential streets with a stop in the neighborhood of Little Ethiopia .
They were heading to the La Brea Tar Pits .
Antoinette Jordan , 50 , marched alongside her boyfriend , Quinn .
Jordan , who attends Cochran Avenue Baptist Church , said it was her third protest march .
Throughout them , she ’ s been thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caregivers , she said .
The last few months have been hard for them .
“ You got COVID you got ta worry about , ” she said , “ and then you got ta worry about being a Black man.
” These demonstrations “ help give people a voice , ” she said .
“ I learned : The louder you sing , the more audible you are , the better your message comes across.
” Another march for racial justice took place in Echo Park on Saturday afternoon and drew more @ @ @ @

“All Black Lives Matter” is painted on Hollywood Boulevard in front of TCL Chinese Theatre on Saturday.
“All Black Lives Matter” was painted in a rainbow of colors along a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday, one of the latest moves in ongoing protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd.
Hollywood Boulevard has been the scene of numerous protests in the last two weeks, including one last Sunday that drew more than 20,000 people. Another is planned this morning.
The All Black Lives Matter march, organized by a Black Advisory Board made up of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations, is set to take place in West Hollywood. On the event’s website, the board posted a statement announcing a protest “in direct response to racial injustice, systemic racism, and all forms of oppression.”
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Additional protests were scheduled across Los Angeles for Sunday — the latest actions in a weekend of demonstrations.
Protesters paint the “All Black Lives Matter” message on Hollywood Boulevard near El Capitan Theatre on Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
On Saturday, more than a hundred congregants and friends of the Cochran Avenue Baptist Church marched through Mid-Wilshire protesting the treatment of Black people across the country.
At one point, Pastor Charles Johnson asked the marchers to take a knee. He then led them in prayer.
“We pray for a public witness to all the injustice that’s in our community,” he said.
The marchers headed along San Vicente Boulevard, winding through residential streets with a stop in the neighborhood of Little Ethiopia. They were heading to the La Brea Tar Pits.
Antoinette Jordan, 50, marched alongside her boyfriend, Quinn. Jordan, who attends Cochran Avenue Baptist Church, said it was her third protest march. Throughout them, she’s been thinking of her adult sons who are medical caregivers, she said. The last few months have been hard for them.
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“You got COVID you gotta worry about,” she said, “and then you gotta worry about being a Black man.”
These demonstrations “help give people a voice,” she said. “I learned: The louder you sing, the more audible you are, the better your message comes across.”
Another march for racial justice took place in Echo Park on Saturday afternoon and drew more than 500 people.


latimes--2020-06-14--Vernon has about as many coronavirus cases as residents. That worries its neighbors

Inside the home of the famed Dodger Dog , Pedro Albarran watched with alarm as his colleagues stood at the meatpacking line shoulder-to-shoulder , unmasked , amid the coronavirus pandemic .
People started coughing .
Then , one by one , they disappeared from their places in the line .
Sure enough , the virus was circulating at the Farmer John plant in the city of Vernon , sickening at least 165 workers as of June 2 , according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health .
It also spread through eight other factories with between five and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of more than 200 infections .
On paper , there have only been 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city .
But that ’ s because the one thing Vernon , an industrial powerhouse in southeast L.A. County , has almost nothing of is people who actually live there .
Vernon is home to just about 200 residents and almost 2,000 businesses .
Most workers commute from other working-class , heavily-Latino cities , where there is now growing concern that the Vernon outbreaks will spread to other communities .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluating Vernon and Farmer John ’ s response to the outbreaks , 157 infected workers live in L.A. County cities , two live in San Bernardino County and two are from Long Beach .
“ That ’ s why it ’ s important to stop the virus here , so it doesn ’ t spread to other cities , ” said Albarran , a 25-year Farmer John employee who drives home each night to El Monte .
The coronavirus outbreaks have rekindled public scrutiny of one of the state ’ s oddball municipalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses and dearth of people who call it home , Vernon is a town with a colorful past marred by scandals .
Allegations of corruption amid a long secretive political culture almost caused the state to disband Vernon as a city .
Since then , it has embarked on a series of reforms .
The city has had an outsized influence on surrounding cities , whose residents often rely on jobs tucked in a place whose motto is “ Exclusively Industrial.
” But Vernon ’ s influence has been felt in other ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recycling plant there was shut down in 2015 after spewing arsenic and lead into other southeast L.A. cities , including Huntington Park , Boyle Heights and Maywood .
In 2011 , Vernon officials avoided disincorporation by agreeing to reforms and $ 60 million worth of community projects .
Belén Bernal , South Gate ’ s former mayor , said nearby cities have always been threatened by their industrial neighbor .
Smells emanate from the factories .
Air quality is poor .
The fact that South Gate residents working in the facilities are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said .
“ We see this happening over and over in disadvantaged communities , ” she said .
Vernon officials , aware of the city ’ s reputation , said they were proactive in efforts to prevent the virus from spreading .
The city issued an emergency declaration , closing City Hall except for essential business , and contributed $ 250,000 from its community development fund to support free testing in the area by medical provider AltaMed , said city administrator Carlos Fandino Jr. Fandino said the AltaMed funds show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by its employees , but by the surrounding communities where many of those employees live .
Despite past setbacks , he thinks Vernon is now “ a model city.
” “ The whole design here is for Vernon to be a good neighbor to the surrounding community and to assist the community in ways other than what we do for our businesses and resident community , ” he said .
According to the report by county health officials , Vernon ’ s Health and Environmental Control Department was the only public health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer prior to June 2 .
On Thursday , a city representative said they had appointed former county health consulting physician Laurene Mascola to that role .
The report also said the city health department is the only one without an infectious disease control program .
Fredrick Agyin , director of the city ’ s health department , said it monitors Farmer John for cleanliness and has a full-time U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector present .
He said the city is always willing to partner with the county ’ s health department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the plant sometime in April .
The company installed clear plastic curtain-like barriers between workers and distributed helmets with face shields for employees .
Plastic dividers were placed in the facility ’ s two dining rooms , and hand sanitizer dispensers were scattered throughout the plant .
As he chops pieces of pork on the line , his face shield fogs up and his arms brush against the plastic curtains .
Plastered all around the factory are posters saying “ Thank you ” to workers .
Albarran , who immigrated to California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to earning just under $ 15 per hour at the plant , said he never once has felt “ essential.
” “ They ’ ve always looked at us as a number or as replaceable employees , ” he said .
“ The irony is , now that there ’ s this crisis , now we ’ re heroes .
Now they want to protect us .
That ’ s not fair , ” he said .
“ We work with fear all the time . ''
Even as he and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading , the company remained quiet .
He said he would prefer if the posters gave information about the number of infected workers and which departments are experiencing outbreaks .
“ I don ’ t know why they didn ’ t tell us .
I think we have a right to know how many have the illness , ” he said .
Darryl Blackwell , an employee and union steward from Westmont , said he appreciates the plastic dividers and protective gear .
But people still crowd in certain public areas , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a number of broken machines , Blackwell said .
“ That ’ s ludicrous .
It ’ s defeating the purpose of social distancing , ” he said .
Maywood Mayor Eddie De La Riva said Vernon ’ s leadership has been more accessible in recent years .
But he worries about what impacts the Vernon outbreaks will have on his residents .
The city is already limited in resources and he wonders whether job cuts at Farmer John would impact Maywood ’ s residents and economy .
“ If Farmer John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t allowed to go to work , are they still getting paid ?
” he asked .
“ If not , it ’ s just adding more to an already very delicate problem .
I ’ m getting emails on a daily basis from people who need food.
” In a statement , Smithfield said it is offering paid leave for those who become infected or need to be quarantined .
Responding to criticisms that the masks , gloves and other protection came too late , a company representative said they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could .
“ Overnight , the need for masks and face shields was thrust upon us and the nation , ” the company said in a statement .
“ Procuring these items , at a time when PPE supply chains were stressed to the max , was challenging to say the least .
...
The suggestion that we were slow to react is simply not true and completely overlooks an inconvenient truth — supplies were not readily available.
” Jose Guzman , a 61-year-old employee and union steward , said he knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
He started asking a human resources representative for basic supplies like masks and hand sanitizer as early as late March , but was told it wasn ’ t the company ’ s obligation to provide the supplies , Guzman said .
As COVID-19 cases in the county skyrocketed , some employees started bringing their own handmade masks to work , he said .
At one point , about 25 employees gathered to walk to the human resources office and give their list of demands together .
“ The company was initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when there were more outbreaks , they started to act.
” According to the county health report , Vernon began investigating the first outbreak in the facility ’ s ham deboning department in April , when just six people were infected .
The health department deemed the plant ’ s response satisfactory .
A Farmer John employee who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal , said for weeks , the presence of the virus within the facility was “ hush hush.
” “ At first , we ’ d just hear rumors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ” the employee said .
“ Everybody is asking questions , but nobody is answering them .
They ’ re just keeping it really quiet.
” One day , the ham deboning department was closed , but supervisors still wouldn ’ t answer questions , he said .
News of the outbreak spread within the facility , and so did panic .
“ They came to me and said , ‘ Jose , what are we going to do ?
We ’ re scared of getting infected and taking it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Guzman said the company started handing out masks and implementing protective measures in mid-April .
By then , it would be too late for him .
He began experiencing symptoms of the virus while at work on April 16 and tested positive , along with his wife , not long after that .
Guzman was hospitalized for weeks with breathing difficulties and hasn ’ t returned to work .
An oxygen tank helps him breathe .
“ I can ’ t fill my lungs with air , ” he said .

Pedro Albarran at the Smithfield Foods-owned Farmer John plant in Vernon, Calif., on May 29.
Inside the home of the famed Dodger Dog, Pedro Albarran watched with alarm as his colleagues stood at the meatpacking line shoulder-to-shoulder, unmasked, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
People started coughing. Then, one by one, they disappeared from their places in the line.
Sure enough, the virus was circulating at the Farmer John plant in the city of Vernon, sickening at least 165 workers as of June 2, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It also spread through eight other factories with between five and 24 infected employees at each, for a total of more than 200 infections.
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On paper, there have only been 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city. But that’s because the one thing Vernon, an industrial powerhouse in southeast L.A. County, has almost nothing of is people who actually live there.
Vernon is home to just about 200 residents and almost 2,000 businesses. Most workers commute from other working-class, heavily-Latino cities, where there is now growing concern that the Vernon outbreaks will spread to other communities.
According to a recent county health department report evaluating Vernon and Farmer John’s response to the outbreaks, 157 infected workers live in L.A. County cities, two live in San Bernardino County and two are from Long Beach.
“That’s why it’s important to stop the virus here, so it doesn’t spread to other cities,” said Albarran, a 25-year Farmer John employee who drives home each night to El Monte.
The coronavirus outbreaks have rekindled public scrutiny of one of the state’s oddball municipalities. With its honeycomb of factories and businesses and dearth of people who call it home, Vernon is a town with a colorful past marred by scandals. Allegations of corruption amid a long secretive political culture almost caused the state to disband Vernon as a city. Since then, it has embarked on a series of reforms.
The city of Vernon water tower sits along the Los Angeles River. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
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The city has had an outsized influence on surrounding cities, whose residents often rely on jobs tucked in a place whose motto is “Exclusively Industrial.” But Vernon’s influence has been felt in other ways.
Most recently, the Exide battery recycling plant there was shut down in 2015 after spewing arsenic and lead into other southeast L.A. cities, including Huntington Park, Boyle Heights and Maywood. In 2011, Vernon officials avoided disincorporation by agreeing to reforms and $60 million worth of community projects.
Belén Bernal, South Gate’s former mayor, said nearby cities have always been threatened by their industrial neighbor. Smells emanate from the factories. Air quality is poor. The fact that South Gate residents working in the facilities are now exposed to coronavirus clusters is not surprising, she said.
“We see this happening over and over in disadvantaged communities,” she said.
Vernon officials, aware of the city’s reputation, said they were proactive in efforts to prevent the virus from spreading. The city issued an emergency declaration, closing City Hall except for essential business, and contributed $250,000 from its community development fund to support free testing in the area by medical provider AltaMed, said city administrator Carlos Fandino Jr.
Fandino said the AltaMed funds show that Vernon means to do right not only by its employees, but by the surrounding communities where many of those employees live. Despite past setbacks, he thinks Vernon is now “a model city.”
“The whole design here is for Vernon to be a good neighbor to the surrounding community and to assist the community in ways other than what we do for our businesses and resident community,” he said.
According to the report by county health officials, Vernon’s Health and Environmental Control Department was the only public health department in the state without a physician health officer prior to June 2. On Thursday, a city representative said they had appointed former county health consulting physician Laurene Mascola to that role.
The report also said the city health department is the only one without an infectious disease control program.
Fredrick Agyin, director of the city’s health department, said it monitors Farmer John for cleanliness and has a full-time U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector present. He said the city is always willing to partner with the county’s health department.
A protestor wearing a pig costume drives by Farmer John’s pig slaughterhouse in Vernon. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Albarran said he started noticing new protections at the plant sometime in April. The company installed clear plastic curtain-like barriers between workers and distributed helmets with face shields for employees. Plastic dividers were placed in the facility’s two dining rooms, and hand sanitizer dispensers were scattered throughout the plant.
As he chops pieces of pork on the line, his face shield fogs up and his arms brush against the plastic curtains. Plastered all around the factory are posters saying “Thank you” to workers.
Albarran, who immigrated to California in the 80s and worked his way up to earning just under $15 per hour at the plant, said he never once has felt “essential.”
“They’ve always looked at us as a number or as replaceable employees,” he said. “The irony is, now that there’s this crisis, now we’re heroes. Now they want to protect us. That’s not fair,” he said. “We work with fear all the time.”
Even as he and his coworkers heard rumors that the virus was spreading, the company remained quiet. He said he would prefer if the posters gave information about the number of infected workers and which departments are experiencing outbreaks.
“I don’t know why they didn’t tell us. I think we have a right to know how many have the illness,” he said.
Darryl Blackwell, an employee and union steward from Westmont, said he appreciates the plastic dividers and protective gear. But people still crowd in certain public areas, such as where employees clock in, due to a number of broken machines, Blackwell said.
“That’s ludicrous. It’s defeating the purpose of social distancing,” he said.
Maywood Mayor Eddie De La Riva said Vernon’s leadership has been more accessible in recent years. But he worries about what impacts the Vernon outbreaks will have on his residents. The city is already limited in resources and he wonders whether job cuts at Farmer John would impact Maywood’s residents and economy.
“If Farmer John closes down or if these people aren’t allowed to go to work, are they still getting paid?” he asked. “If not, it’s just adding more to an already very delicate problem. I’m getting emails on a daily basis from people who need food.”
In a statement, Smithfield said it is offering paid leave for those who become infected or need to be quarantined.
Responding to criticisms that the masks, gloves and other protection came too late, a company representative said they did everything they could, as fast as they could.
“Overnight, the need for masks and face shields was thrust upon us and the nation,” the company said in a statement. “Procuring these items, at a time when PPE supply chains were stressed to the max, was challenging to say the least. ... The suggestion that we were slow to react is simply not true and completely overlooks an inconvenient truth — supplies were not readily available.”
Workers exit the Smithfield Foods-owned Farmer John plant in Vernon. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Jose Guzman, a 61-year-old employee and union steward, said he knew the crowded plant was ripe for an outbreak. He started asking a human resources representative for basic supplies like masks and hand sanitizer as early as late March, but was told it wasn’t the company’s obligation to provide the supplies, Guzman said.
As COVID-19 cases in the county skyrocketed, some employees started bringing their own handmade masks to work, he said. At one point, about 25 employees gathered to walk to the human resources office and give their list of demands together.
“The company was initially very slow to do anything. Then, when there were more outbreaks, they started to act.”
According to the county health report, Vernon began investigating the first outbreak in the facility’s ham deboning department in April, when just six people were infected. The health department deemed the plant’s response satisfactory.
A Farmer John employee who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, said for weeks, the presence of the virus within the facility was “hush hush.”
“At first, we’d just hear rumors. ‘Oh, somebody is sick,’” the employee said. “Everybody is asking questions, but nobody is answering them. They’re just keeping it really quiet.”
One day, the ham deboning department was closed, but supervisors still wouldn’t answer questions, he said. News of the outbreak spread within the facility, and so did panic.
“They came to me and said, ‘Jose, what are we going to do? We’re scared of getting infected and taking it to our families,’” said Guzman.
Guzman said the company started handing out masks and implementing protective measures in mid-April.
By then, it would be too late for him.
He began experiencing symptoms of the virus while at work on April 16 and tested positive, along with his wife, not long after that. Guzman was hospitalized for weeks with breathing difficulties and hasn’t returned to work. An oxygen tank helps him breathe.
“I can’t fill my lungs with air,” he said.