latimes--2020-04-23--San Clemente beaches will reopen this weekend, but only for residents

As a heat wave bears down on Southern California , San Clemente plans to reopen city-owned beaches this weekend .
The beaches , along with coastal waters and trails , had been closed since April 8 in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Orange County public health officials had reported 43 COVID-19 patients in San Clemente as of Thursday .
San Clemente ’ s City Council voted Tuesday night to begin the process of reopening the city ’ s beaches , which will be available for active use only , such as walking , running , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunbathers are not welcome .
“ You can ’ t bring your beach chair or your umbrella , set up for the day and spend the afternoon there , ” said Erik Sund , assistant city manager .
Representatives of the city and the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department will be posted at the beaches to ensure that people follow the rules and maintain social distancing , he said .
Officials remain concerned that the reopening could lead to an influx of out-of-town visitors , which contributed to the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first place .
After San Diego County elected to shut down its shores , every stretch of sand south of San Clemente to the border of Mexico became off-limits to the public .
The nearby cities of Laguna Beach and Seal Beach had also chosen to close their beaches , as did Los Angeles County to the north .
That made San Clemente ’ s beaches a magnet for travelers , prompting residents to complain about crowds , Sund said .
Beach closures in neighboring cities and adjacent counties remain in place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s shoreline are open .
But San Clemente — along with all of Orange County — is trying to discourage out-of-town visitors by keeping public parking lots closed , and the City Council also voted to put in place additional parking and beach-access restrictions .
“ If someone from another city is wanting to come to our beach , it is going to be very difficult for them to find parking , ” Sund said .
“ And if they come here and think they can spend the day here , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not something we are going to allow on the beach currently.
” The city could not say exactly when beaches would reopen this weekend because it is still working through the logistics of parking and other restrictions .
“ Everyone ’ s looking at trying to ease back into whatever the new normal will be , as opposed to diving back in , ” Sund said .
“ We ’ re trying to do it right and not rush.
” He said that the city also has been in contact with state officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and San Onofre State Beach and expects a determination to be made on those areas soon .
“ Obviously , it poses some logistic challenges for [ the state ] if we open up , ” he said .
“ One of our boundaries is San Onofre State Beach , and you can ’ t just draw a line in the sand — no pun intended.
” He said that city officials will monitor the effects of the beach reopening and make adjustments if needed .
“ At the end of the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the curve go down related to COVID-19 , ” he said .
“ But it ’ s also recognizing that residents who live in a coastal community choose to live here for the recreational opportunities a coastal community offers and trying to find that balance.
” Earlier this week , Orange County officials debated but ultimately decided against closing all of the county ’ s beaches for two weeks over concerns about the possibility of crowds in the wake of a heat wave that ’ s forecast to peak Friday and @ @

A couple takes in a sunset together near the San Clemente pier on April 8 after San Clemente closed its beaches to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
As a heat wave bears down on Southern California, San Clemente plans to reopen city-owned beaches this weekend.
The beaches, along with coastal waters and trails, had been closed since April 8 in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Orange County public health officials had reported 43 COVID-19 patients in San Clemente as of Thursday.
San Clemente’s City Council voted Tuesday night to begin the process of reopening the city’s beaches, which will be available for active use only, such as walking, running, swimming and surfing, officials said. Sunbathers are not welcome.
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“You can’t bring your beach chair or your umbrella, set up for the day and spend the afternoon there,” said Erik Sund, assistant city manager.
Representatives of the city and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be posted at the beaches to ensure that people follow the rules and maintain social distancing, he said.
1 / 26 Zuma Beach – Closed: Lifeguard towers sit on an empty Zuma Beach in Malibu. (Brian van der Brug/Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 26 Broad Beach – Closed: Beachgoers walk on Broad Beach in Malibu. To fend off coronavirus contagion, Los Angeles County has kept beaches closed. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 26 Zuma Beach – Closed: Nets were removed to foil beach volleyball players at Zuma Beach in Malibu. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 26 Corral Beach – Closed: Los Angeles County lifeguards ask a couple to leave Corral Beach in Malibu. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 26 Venice Beach – Closed: Beachgoers enjoy the sun and sand along the boardwalk in Venice Beach. Southern California beaches are expected to draw crowds this weekend as an early heat wave hits its peak on Saturday and Sunday, even though much of the shoreline remains closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 26 Venice Beach – Closed: The setting sun casts a dark golden hue over everything. Southern California beaches are expected to draw crowds this weekend as an early heat wave hits its peak on Saturday and Sunday, even though much of the shoreline remains closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 26 Venice Beach – Closed: Beachgoers never run out of ways to have fun. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 26 Manhattan Beach – Closed: A lone figure walks onto a closed Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach. (Genaro Molina/Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 9 / 26 Manhattan Beach – Closed: Waves are minus surfers next to a closed bike path in Manhattan Beach. Even with the warm weather, the majority of beachgoers and surfers stayed away from beaches that have been closed to stop crowds from gathering to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 26 Hermosa Beach – Closed: The only one surfing was a statue of surfer Dewey Weber as a visitor walks near The Strand which has been closed to stop people from gathering to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in Hermosa Beach. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 11 / 26 Huntington Beach – Open: Beachgoers enjoying warm summer-like weather appear to be keeping their distance in Huntington Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 26 Huntington Beach – Open: A man sprints across an empty stretch of sand in Huntington Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 26 Huntington Beach – Open: Cailin Healy, right, of Calabasas and a friend take a selfie together in Huntington Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 26 Huntington Beach – Open: Unable to go to the gym, Jeff Spirk, 31, of Huntington Beach does pull-ups on a lifeguard tower. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 26 San Clemente – Open: Aerial view of the previously closed San Clemente pier and beach on April 8. The city is reopening the beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 26 San Clemente – Open: A couple takes in a sunset together near the San Clemente pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 26 Malibu – Closed: A jogger and her dog run on a closed Westward Beach Road at Westward Beach in Malibu. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 26 Hermosa Beach – Closed: Daryl Presley and his son, Indy, 3, of Torrance play in the sand of Noble Park in Hermosa Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) 19 / 26 Hermosa Beach – Closed: Holly Martin, right, who works at Snapchat, brought her laptop to Noble Park in Hermosa Beach to get some work done in the sun. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 26 Hueneme Beach – Open: Sisters Emily, 7, and Hazel Enholm, 4, spent the day at Hueneme Beach, which had a soft opening with restrictions as Ventura County modified its stay-at-home order. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 26 Hueneme Beach – Open: Brian Ledis of Westlake Village gives surfing lessons to his 8-year-old son Rowan at Hueneme Beach. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 26 Hueneme Beach – Open: People enjoy the surf and sand at Hueneme Beach. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 26 Point Mugu – Closed: Visitors don’t seem to be observing social distancing restrictions on April 11 at Point Mugu. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 26 Point Mugu – Closed: California State Parks Ranger David Gunn warns visitors at Point Mugu that parking is not allowed due to coronavirus and social distancing restrictions. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 26 Point Mugu – Closed: A surfer flies off his board to end a ride at Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 26 Point Mugu – Closed: Miriam Burciga enjoys a socially distant perch overlooking Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Officials remain concerned that the reopening could lead to an influx of out-of-town visitors, which contributed to the city’s decision to close its beaches in the first place.
After San Diego County elected to shut down its shores, every stretch of sand south of San Clemente to the border of Mexico became off-limits to the public. The nearby cities of Laguna Beach and Seal Beach had also chosen to close their beaches, as did Los Angeles County to the north.
That made San Clemente’s beaches a magnet for travelers, prompting residents to complain about crowds, Sund said.
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Beach closures in neighboring cities and adjacent counties remain in place, although other stretches of Orange County’s shoreline are open.
But San Clemente — along with all of Orange County — is trying to discourage out-of-town visitors by keeping public parking lots closed, and the City Council also voted to put in place additional parking and beach-access restrictions.
“If someone from another city is wanting to come to our beach, it is going to be very difficult for them to find parking,” Sund said. “And if they come here and think they can spend the day here, they’re quickly going to learn that is not something we are going to allow on the beach currently.”
The city could not say exactly when beaches would reopen this weekend because it is still working through the logistics of parking and other restrictions.
“Everyone’s looking at trying to ease back into whatever the new normal will be, as opposed to diving back in,” Sund said. “We’re trying to do it right and not rush.”
He said that the city also has been in contact with state officials about possibly reopening San Clemente State Park and San Onofre State Beach and expects a determination to be made on those areas soon.
“Obviously, it poses some logistic challenges for [the state] if we open up,” he said. “One of our boundaries is San Onofre State Beach, and you can’t just draw a line in the sand — no pun intended.”
He said that city officials will monitor the effects of the beach reopening and make adjustments if needed.
“At the end of the day, the council is very much wanting to see the curve go down related to COVID-19,” he said. “But it’s also recognizing that residents who live in a coastal community choose to live here for the recreational opportunities a coastal community offers and trying to find that balance.”
Earlier this week, Orange County officials debated but ultimately decided against closing all of the county’s beaches for two weeks over concerns about the possibility of crowds in the wake of a heat wave that’s forecast to peak Friday and Saturday.


latimes--2020-04-23--Struggling to pay your student loan debt amid coronavirus? You can now delay 3 payments.

More than 1.1 million Californians with student loan debt will now be eligible for three months ’ relief , Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Thursday .
Twenty-one out of the 24 largest student loan servicers in the state of California have agreed to a 90-day forbearance , meaning student borrowers may stop repaying their loans without facing penalties such as late fees or fines , debt collection lawsuits , or negative impacts to their credit ratings , Newsom said .
Borrowers will also receive support in working out new payment plans .
“ I want to just applaud those ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and help support those that are struggling to pay their student loan debts , ” Newsom said at his daily news conference .
The forbearance is part of a multi-state agreement coordinated by Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
While the CARES Act already halts student repayment of federal loans for six months , the measures announced by Pritzker and Newsom address private and non-federal loans in California , Colorado , Connecticut , Illinois , Massachusetts , New Jersey , Vermont , Virginia and Washington state .
Impacted borrowers should immediately contact their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will not automatically be enrolled , Pritzker ’ s office said .
“ This is new , so even the lenders are getting up to speed on this , ” Pritzker said during a Tuesday briefing .
If borrowers experience trouble securing the agreed-upon relief , they should reach out to state regulatory agencies or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau .
Newsom ’ s office did not immediately provide details on how students in California may take advantage of the loan forbearance program .
The student loan providers that signed on to @ @ @ @

More than 1.1 million Californians with student loan debt will now be eligible for three months’ relief, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.
Twenty-one out of the 24 largest student loan servicers in the state of California have agreed to a 90-day forbearance, meaning student borrowers may stop repaying their loans without facing penalties such as late fees or fines, debt collection lawsuits, or negative impacts to their credit ratings, Newsom said.
Borrowers will also receive support in working out new payment plans.
“I want to just applaud those ... servicers for their willingness to step up and help support those that are struggling to pay their student loan debts,” Newsom said at his daily news conference.
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NEW: 21 out of the 24 major student loan servicers have agreed to provide relief to 1.1 million CA students.
For the next 90 days there will be no late fees. No fines. And actual support for new payment plans for the future.
Thank you @JBPritzker for leading this effort. — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 23, 2020
The forbearance is part of a multi-state agreement coordinated by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. While the CARES Act already halts student repayment of federal loans for six months, the measures announced by Pritzker and Newsom address private and non-federal loans in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia and Washington state.
Impacted borrowers should immediately contact their loan providers to get relief, as they will not automatically be enrolled, Pritzker’s office said.
“This is new, so even the lenders are getting up to speed on this,” Pritzker said during a Tuesday briefing. If borrowers experience trouble securing the agreed-upon relief, they should reach out to state regulatory agencies or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Newsom’s office did not immediately provide details on how students in California may take advantage of the loan forbearance program.
The student loan providers that signed on to the agreement include:
Aspire Resources Inc.
College Ave Student Loan Servicing LLC
Discover Financial Servicers
Earnest Operations
Edfinancial
Figure Lending LLC
Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation
Launch Servicing LLC
Lendkey Technologies Inc.
MOHELA
Navient
Nelnet
Reunion Student Loan Finance Corporation
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority
Scratch Services LLC
SoFi Lending Corp.
Tuition Options
United Guaranty Services Inc.
Upstart Network Inc.
Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation


latimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus deaths at 36 in Orange County as infection count tops 1,800

Orange County ’ s coronavirus death toll now stands at 36 after health officials announced two more fatalities Thursday .
County officials didn ’ t disclose specifics about the latest victims , but overall , 21 of those who ’ ve died have been at least 65 years old .
Eleven victims were 45 to 64 , and the others were ages 25 to 44 .
The Orange County Health Care Agency also announced 78 additional coronavirus infections Thursday — the highest single-day total since April 15 — bringing the region ’ s case total to 1,827 .
The county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 is just under 2 % .
Statewide , it ’ s about 3.8 % , according to information from The Times ’ daily tracker .
A week ago , the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Orange County stood at 1,417 .
The week before that , it was 1,063 .
“ Case counts will fluctuate day to day , ” county leaders said .
“ It is important to look at trends over time when reviewing these data rather than drawing conclusions from any individual data points.
” Countywide , 20,816 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date — an increase of 671 since Wednesday .
Despite the fluctuation in cases , county Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel said “ we are starting to see a stabilization ” in terms of how many patients need to go to a hospital .
As of Thursday , 158 people were hospitalized — 59 of them in intensive care .
The total number of people hospitalized has ranged between 128 and 162 over the last seven days , according to the county ’ s available data .
Steel also reemphasized Thursday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down its beaches , even as some have expressed concerns that they could attract out-of-town visitors during the heat wave that ’ s expected to bake the Southland over the next few days .
“ This plays a big role in mental health , which is why we encourage our residents to safely spend some time outside , ” she said during a news conference .
“ The local beaches are an ideal place to do so , so long as our residents are properly maintaining social distancing.
” Orange County also recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in funding though the CARES Act — the massive coronavirus economic relief measure Congress passed last month .
While the county is still evaluating how exactly that money can be spent , County Executive Officer Frank Kim said the hope is it can cover direct costs associated with the coronavirus response — such as developing a robust local testing network and buying personal protective equipment — as well as economic and business recovery efforts .
The money , he said , is an “ incredibly needed resource at a time when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been utilizing their own general funds to support this incredibly challenging , resource-intensive endeavor of working through the crisis.
” As the county charts its path forward through the pandemic , it will soon have to do so without one of its highest-ranking public health officials .
David Souleles , the county ’ s director of public health services , has announced his retirement .
His last day will be May 1 .
In a statement Thursday , Kim said Souleles “ did a fantastic job during his 16-year tenure with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a challenging time for the county to lose David , but the HCA has a deep bench to tackle the issues related to COVID-19 , ” Kim said .
“ I wish David all the best in his retirement.
” Souleles is the second high-profile departure from the Orange County Health Care Agency since the coronavirus outbreak began .
Richard Sanchez , the agency ’ s former director , departed this month to become interim chief executive of CalOptima .
During Thursday ’ s news conference , Kim said that his wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the county , but he wished him the best .
“ I think , for the county , we always have movement of staff and I think it is just particularly highlighted because it came at a time when we ’ re in the middle of the COVID crisis and David was a very public figure in that response , ” he said .

Two patients at the Huntington Valley Healthcare Center in Huntington Beach died this week of COVID-19. A coronavirus outbreak at the facility has sickened half its residents and several staff members.
Orange County’s coronavirus death toll now stands at 36 after health officials announced two more fatalities Thursday.
County officials didn’t disclose specifics about the latest victims, but overall, 21 of those who’ve died have been at least 65 years old. Eleven victims were 45 to 64, and the others were ages 25 to 44.
The Orange County Health Care Agency also announced 78 additional coronavirus infections Thursday — the highest single-day total since April 15 — bringing the region’s case total to 1,827.
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The county’s observed mortality rate associated with COVID-19 is just under 2%. Statewide, it’s about 3.8%, according to information from The Times’ daily tracker.
A week ago, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Orange County stood at 1,417. The week before that, it was 1,063.
“Case counts will fluctuate day to day,” county leaders said. “It is important to look at trends over time when reviewing these data rather than drawing conclusions from any individual data points.”
Countywide, 20,816 people have been tested for COVID-19 to date — an increase of 671 since Wednesday.
Despite the fluctuation in cases, county Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel said “we are starting to see a stabilization” in terms of how many patients need to go to a hospital.
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As of Thursday, 158 people were hospitalized — 59 of them in intensive care. The total number of people hospitalized has ranged between 128 and 162 over the last seven days, according to the county’s available data.
Steel also reemphasized Thursday that the county has decided not to shut down its beaches, even as some have expressed concerns that they could attract out-of-town visitors during the heat wave that’s expected to bake the Southland over the next few days.
“This plays a big role in mental health, which is why we encourage our residents to safely spend some time outside,” she said during a news conference. “The local beaches are an ideal place to do so, so long as our residents are properly maintaining social distancing.”
Orange County also recently got word that it received $554 million in funding though the CARES Act — the massive coronavirus economic relief measure Congress passed last month.
While the county is still evaluating how exactly that money can be spent, County Executive Officer Frank Kim said the hope is it can cover direct costs associated with the coronavirus response — such as developing a robust local testing network and buying personal protective equipment — as well as economic and business recovery efforts.
The money, he said, is an “incredibly needed resource at a time when the county, like most other counties, have been utilizing their own general funds to support this incredibly challenging, resource-intensive endeavor of working through the crisis.”
As the county charts its path forward through the pandemic, it will soon have to do so without one of its highest-ranking public health officials. David Souleles, the county’s director of public health services, has announced his retirement. His last day will be May 1.
In a statement Thursday, Kim said Souleles “did a fantastic job during his 16-year tenure with the county.”
“Obviously, it’s a challenging time for the county to lose David, but the HCA has a deep bench to tackle the issues related to COVID-19,” Kim said. “I wish David all the best in his retirement.”
Souleles is the second high-profile departure from the Orange County Health Care Agency since the coronavirus outbreak began. Richard Sanchez, the agency’s former director, departed this month to become interim chief executive of CalOptima.
During Thursday’s news conference, Kim said that his wish would have been for Souleles to stay with the county, but he wished him the best.
“I think, for the county, we always have movement of staff and I think it is just particularly highlighted because it came at a time when we’re in the middle of the COVID crisis and David was a very public figure in that response,” he said.


latimes--2020-04-23--Organizer of California stay-at-home protest could face criminal charges

With protesters taking to the streets urging the loosening of California ’ s stay-at-home orders , law enforcement agencies have made at least two arrests and may press charges in one case .
In San Diego , a woman who police say organized a weekend protest could face a misdemeanor charge for allegedly encouraging others to violate stay-at-home orders meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
A police spokesman said the department forwarded the case to the San Diego City Attorney ’ s Office for review on Tuesday .
The move comes after some , including civil rights activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters last weekend for ignoring the orders .
A misdemeanor conviction could result in up to six months of jail time and fines of up to $ 1,000 .
As of Monday , the City Attorney ’ s Office had not received any cases related to violations of the orders , a spokeswoman said .
The office declined to answer questions Wednesday about whether the case had been received or charges had been filed .
The California Highway Patrol , meanwhile , announced it would no longer grant protest permits on state grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials .
The decision came after a rally to reopen California occurred outside the state capitol on Monday .
The CHP announcement was first reported by the Sacramento Bee .
“ Permits are issued to provide safe environments for demonstrators to express their views .
In this case , the permit for the convoy was issued with the understanding that the protest would be conducted in a manner consistent with the state ’ s public health guidance , ” CHP said in a statement to the newspaper .
Over the last few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diego , Newport Beach , Sacramento , Huntington Beach and San Clemente .
An Orange County man has been arrested on suspicion of threatening a KTTV Channel 11 cameraman with a knife hours after the Huntington Beach protest last week .
Christien Petersen , 36 , of Costa Mesa was taken into custody at 7:49 p.m. April 17 for allegedly exhibiting a “ deadly weapon other than [ a ] firearm ” and for allegedly kidnapping , the Huntington Beach Police Department ’ s log stated .
Petersen , who is believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on $ 100,000 bond and is expected to be in court Tuesday .
Police said Petersen was allegedly intoxicated and upset when he was filmed by a Fox cameraman for a report in the aftermath of that day ’ s Live Free or Die protest , which called for an end to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders .
On Wednesday , a group of protesters carried out a caravan protest in downtown Los Angeles .
Demonstrators have said it ’ s time to reopen the economy and ease the rules .
But many medical experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be grave repercussions to reopening businesses too early .
A new Associated Press poll Americans support the stay-at-home orders , seeing them as helpful in combating the coronavirus outbreak .
Other polls show similar support .
For example , a poll of 1,990 voters showed that 81 % supported continuing social distancing for as long as needed .
Only 10 % supported ending social distancing to stimulate the economy .
Meanwhile , a poll of 2,000 Los Angeles residents released last week by Loyola Marymount University found that 95 % of respondents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to implement a stay-at-home-order .
California ’ s relatively quick action to close businesses and order residents to stay home has tamped down the coronavirus outbreak and left many hospitals largely empty , waiting for a surge that has yet to come .
The initial success of the unprecedented shutdown of schools , businesses and other institutions has pleased experts and public health officials , prompting calls to keep the restrictions in place at least into May to help cement the progress .
Social distancing will be a critical factor .
Lifting restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new jumps in cases .
In a joint statement Monday , the San Diego Police Department and county Sheriff ’ s Department hinted at the possibility of seeking criminal charges against protesters , particularly organizers .
While the Police Department did not name the alleged organizer , the Center for American Liberty said it is representing a 27-year-old woman who participated in Saturday ’ s rally and was notified on Wednesday about a potential criminal case against her .
“ The charged protester had shared information about the protest on social media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deciding to single her out for punishment , ” the San Francisco-based legal center said in a statement .
Noting that the 1st Amendment guarantees the right to peacefully protest , Harmeet Dhillon , CEO of the legal center , said its client participated in a peaceful rally and stood six feet from others .
“ It is outrageous that our client is being charged with a crime for participating in ( a ) constitutionally protected activity , ” Dhillon said in a statement .
“ The right to assemble and to petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are topics that are off ( limits ) .
” Campa is a Times staff writer .
Hernandez writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune .

Alma Villanueva, left, and Gigi Wilcox participate in a protest caravan in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday to call on state and local officials to reopen the economy.
With protesters taking to the streets urging the loosening of California’s stay-at-home orders, law enforcement agencies have made at least two arrests and may press charges in one case.
In San Diego, a woman who police say organized a weekend protest could face a misdemeanor charge for allegedly encouraging others to violate stay-at-home orders meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.
A police spokesman said the department forwarded the case to the San Diego City Attorney’s Office for review on Tuesday. The move comes after some, including civil rights activists, questioned why police did not cite protesters last weekend for ignoring the orders.
A misdemeanor conviction could result in up to six months of jail time and fines of up to $1,000. As of Monday, the City Attorney’s Office had not received any cases related to violations of the orders, a spokeswoman said. The office declined to answer questions Wednesday about whether the case had been received or charges had been filed.
The California Highway Patrol, meanwhile, announced it would no longer grant protest permits on state grounds unless they are approved by public health officials. The decision came after a rally to reopen California occurred outside the state capitol on Monday. The CHP announcement was first reported by the Sacramento Bee.
“Permits are issued to provide safe environments for demonstrators to express their views. In this case, the permit for the convoy was issued with the understanding that the protest would be conducted in a manner consistent with the state’s public health guidance,” CHP said in a statement to the newspaper.
Over the last few days, there have been protests in San Diego, Newport Beach, Sacramento, Huntington Beach and San Clemente.
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An Orange County man has been arrested on suspicion of threatening a KTTV Channel 11 cameraman with a knife hours after the Huntington Beach protest last week.
Christien Petersen, 36, of Costa Mesa was taken into custody at 7:49 p.m. April 17 for allegedly exhibiting a “deadly weapon other than [a] firearm” and for allegedly kidnapping, the Huntington Beach Police Department’s log stated.
Petersen, who is believed to be a lawyer, is being held on $100,000 bond and is expected to be in court Tuesday.
Police said Petersen was allegedly intoxicated and upset when he was filmed by a Fox cameraman for a report in the aftermath of that day’s Live Free or Die protest , which called for an end to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.
On Wednesday, a group of protesters carried out a caravan protest in downtown Los Angeles.
Demonstrators have said it’s time to reopen the economy and ease the rules. But many medical experts and officials in California have said there could be grave repercussions to reopening businesses too early.
A new Associated Press poll found an overwhelming majority of Americans support the stay-at-home orders, seeing them as helpful in combating the coronavirus outbreak.
Other polls show similar support. For example, a poll of 1,990 voters conducted by Politico/Morning Consult showed that 81% supported continuing social distancing for as long as needed. Only 10% supported ending social distancing to stimulate the economy.
Meanwhile, a poll of 2,000 Los Angeles residents released last week by Loyola Marymount University found that 95% of respondents were in support of officials’ decision to implement a stay-at-home-order.
California’s relatively quick action to close businesses and order residents to stay home has tamped down the coronavirus outbreak and left many hospitals largely empty, waiting for a surge that has yet to come.
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The initial success of the unprecedented shutdown of schools, businesses and other institutions has pleased experts and public health officials, prompting calls to keep the restrictions in place at least into May to help cement the progress.
California Coronavirus prompts Gov. Gavin Newsom to suspend California’s plastic bag ban Newsom announced Thursday that he signed an executive order to suspend the 2016 plastic bag ban for 60 days after hearing concerns from the California Grocers Assn. about shoppers bringing reusable bags from home.
Social distancing will be a critical factor. Lifting restrictions too early would likely lead to dangerous new jumps in cases.
In a joint statement Monday, the San Diego Police Department and county Sheriff’s Department hinted at the possibility of seeking criminal charges against protesters, particularly organizers.
While the Police Department did not name the alleged organizer, the Center for American Liberty said it is representing a 27-year-old woman who participated in Saturday’s rally and was notified on Wednesday about a potential criminal case against her.
“The charged protester had shared information about the protest on social media, which may have led to the authorities deciding to single her out for punishment,” the San Francisco-based legal center said in a statement.
Noting that the 1st Amendment guarantees the right to peacefully protest, Harmeet Dhillon, CEO of the legal center, said its client participated in a peaceful rally and stood six feet from others.
“It is outrageous that our client is being charged with a crime for participating in (a) constitutionally protected activity,” Dhillon said in a statement. “The right to assemble and to petition the government does not exist if there are topics that are off (limits).”
Campa is a Times staff writer. Hernandez writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.


latimes--2020-04-23--Here is the latest list of Orange County communities with coronavirus cases

Orange County health officials on Thursday announced 78 new coronavirus infections , bringing the county ’ s total to 1,827 @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-linked deaths , which raised the county ’ s toll to 36 .
Countywide , @ @ @ @ @ , and 59 of them are in intensive care , according to the Orange County @ @ @ @ @ date , 20,816 people have been tested for the coronavirus infection in the county , @ @ @ @ @ .
Note : The “ other ” category includes unincorporated areas .
Daily updates are @ @ @ @ @ as the county receives new information .

Kayla Le, center, and Nguyen Nguyen, right, both wearing protective masks and gloves, take orders at Brodard Restaurant in Fountain Valley on Monday.
Orange County health officials on Thursday announced 78 new coronavirus infections, bringing the county’s total to 1,827.
There were two more coronavirus-linked deaths, which raised the county’s toll to 36.
Countywide, 158 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, and 59 of them are in intensive care, according to the Orange County Health Care Authority.
To date, 20,816 people have been tested for the coronavirus infection in the county, 671 of them since Wednesday.
California Do you know someone who has lost the battle with COVID-19? In our effort to cover this pandemic as thoroughly as possible, we’d like to hear from the loved ones of people who have died from the coronavirus.
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Age breakdown of cases:
0-17 — 33
18-24 — 141
25-34 — 296
35-44 — 262
45-64 — 708
65+ — 385
Unknown — 2
Age breakdown of deaths:
25-34 — 2
35-44 — 2
45-64 — 11
65+ — 21
Cases by community:
Aliso Viejo — 17
Anaheim — 239
Brea — 19
Buena Park — 68
Costa Mesa — 33
Coto de Caza — 5
Cypress — 39
Dana Point — 18
Fountain Valley — 25
Fullerton — 60
Garden Grove — 73
Huntington Beach — 162
Irvine — 119
La Habra — 40
La Palma — 12
Ladera Ranch — 10
Laguna Beach — 36
Laguna Hills — 17
Laguna Niguel — 32
Laguna Woods — 8
Lake Forest — 26
Los Alamitos — 9
Mission Viejo — 39
Newport Beach — 90
Orange — 66
Placentia — 42
Rancho Mission Viejo — 6
Rancho Santa Margarita — 14
San Clemente — 43
San Juan Capistrano — 22
Santa Ana — 202
Seal Beach — 10
Stanton — 16
Trabuco Canyon — 10
Tustin — 34
Villa Park — 6
Westminster — 29
Yorba Linda — 44
Other — 6
Unknown — 81
Note: The “other” category includes unincorporated areas. Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information.


latimes--2020-04-23--Alby Kass, resort owner and Yiddish folk singer, dies from COVID-19

Alby Kass was known for his powerful voice .
Kass , who owned a resort along the Russian River north of San Francisco , was also the lead singer of a Yiddish folk group , the Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble , a passionate theater performer and a compassionate leader whose joyfulness touched all those he knew .
So when the 89-year-old was left alone and voiceless as he battled COVID-19 in a San Leandro hospital , his loved ones knew there was only one way to comfort him .
They sang .
As he drew his final breaths , Kass was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , children and grandchildren playing the piano and singing the Yiddish folk songs he had taught them .
Each had recorded their own pieces , uploaded them to an old cellphone and delivered it to his nurses , who hooked up the phone to a speaker .
He died March 31 .
“ The sound might be over , but there ’ s still a lot of echoes , ” said his son Larry Kass .
“ I can still hear my dad sing if I want to.
” Kass ’ fight with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Larry spoke to his father , who was in a Hayward nursing home , and noted nothing unusual .
By then , the nursing home had informed Larry about the positive cases in the facility .
The staff said Kass was doing well .
But on March 27 , he was rushed to the hospital with a fever and placed in the intensive care unit .
He never left .
Kass was born in the Bronx and at age 9 , after his father died , he was often left to care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small apartment as his mother worked in the garment industry .
It was the tail end of the Great Depression .
When his mother was home , however , they would sing Yiddish songs together as they cleaned .
At 18 , Kass joined the Air Force and was stationed in the Travis Air Force Base in Northern California .
He then moved to Los Angeles , taking various jobs — including at a furniture factory and hammering serial numbers into engine blocks at General Motors — before getting his teaching credential at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth grade for 20 years in Los Angeles schools as well as in schools for the children of military personnel in Japan , Germany and the Philippines .
In Los Angeles , Kass met and married his wife , Wallie , and they had two sons , Larry and Jonathon .
The family moved to Guerneville , Calif. , where Kass began running the Riverlane Resort .
Kass and his wife were the perfect team , joining their love of community service and performance to found the Russian River Jewish Community group and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Tevye and Golde in local productions of “ Fiddler on the Roof.
” “ He was sort of a real life Tevye , ” said Robert Bulwa , a friend of Kass ’ .
Wallie , who has dementia , does not know about her husband ’ s death , Larry said .
As Kass grew older , Larry began learning his parts — a passing of the torch that filled the elder Kass with pride .
“ I think it was important for him to know that I took his musical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We were very proud of him and we knew he was proud of the father that he ’ d been.
” Kass was generous , giving all of himself and his time when he was needed , friends said .
He also enjoyed life and its beauty fully , they said .
“ His sense of joy was so honest , pure , and powerful , that it reminds me of the joy a young child feels when they are truly happy , ” wrote a friend , Mark Peabody , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t just appreciative of his fellow musicians , he was in awe of them .
To him , the music we made filled him with a sense of wonder , bliss and pleasure.
” He was also an activist , once fighting for residents affected by sewage dumping into the Russian River .
And as the owner of the Riverlane Resort in Guerneville , he was more like a father than a boss .
“ There ’ s a lot of fathers and sons who don ’ t have that comfort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot left to say , ” Larry said .
“ We ’ re lucky that we did.
” Kass is survived by his wife , two sons and four grandchildren .

Alby Kass was known for his powerful voice.
Kass, who owned a resort along the Russian River north of San Francisco, was also the lead singer of a Yiddish folk group, the Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble, a passionate theater performer and a compassionate leader whose joyfulness touched all those he knew.
So when the 89-year-old was left alone and voiceless as he battled COVID-19 in a San Leandro hospital, his loved ones knew there was only one way to comfort him. They sang.
As he drew his final breaths, Kass was surrounded by the sounds of his friends, children and grandchildren playing the piano and singing the Yiddish folk songs he had taught them. Each had recorded their own pieces, uploaded them to an old cellphone and delivered it to his nurses, who hooked up the phone to a speaker. He died March 31.
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“The sound might be over, but there’s still a lot of echoes,” said his son Larry Kass. “I can still hear my dad sing if I want to.”
Kass’ fight with COVID-19 was short. On March 26, Larry spoke to his father, who was in a Hayward nursing home, and noted nothing unusual.
By then, the nursing home had informed Larry about the positive cases in the facility. The staff said Kass was doing well. But on March 27, he was rushed to the hospital with a fever and placed in the intensive care unit. He never left.
Kass was born in the Bronx and at age 9, after his father died, he was often left to care for his younger sister and tidy their small apartment as his mother worked in the garment industry. It was the tail end of the Great Depression.
When his mother was home, however, they would sing Yiddish songs together as they cleaned.
At 18, Kass joined the Air Force and was stationed in the Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. He then moved to Los Angeles, taking various jobs — including at a furniture factory and hammering serial numbers into engine blocks at General Motors — before getting his teaching credential at Los Angeles City College.
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He taught sixth grade for 20 years in Los Angeles schools as well as in schools for the children of military personnel in Japan, Germany and the Philippines.
In Los Angeles, Kass met and married his wife, Wallie, and they had two sons, Larry and Jonathon. The family moved to Guerneville, Calif., where Kass began running the Riverlane Resort.
Kass and his wife were the perfect team, joining their love of community service and performance to found the Russian River Jewish Community group and a local choir. They performed often as Tevye and Golde in local productions of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“He was sort of a real life Tevye,” said Robert Bulwa, a friend of Kass’.
Alby and Wallie Kass performing in “Fiddler on the Roof.” (Larry Kass)
Wallie, who has dementia, does not know about her husband’s death, Larry said.
As Kass grew older, Larry began learning his parts — a passing of the torch that filled the elder Kass with pride.
“I think it was important for him to know that I took his musical legacy seriously,” Larry said. “We were very proud of him and we knew he was proud of the father that he’d been.”
Kass was generous, giving all of himself and his time when he was needed, friends said. He also enjoyed life and its beauty fully, they said.
“His sense of joy was so honest, pure, and powerful, that it reminds me of the joy a young child feels when they are truly happy,” wrote a friend, Mark Peabody, on a memorial page. “Alby wasn’t just appreciative of his fellow musicians, he was in awe of them. To him, the music we made filled him with a sense of wonder, bliss and pleasure.”
He was also an activist, once fighting for residents affected by sewage dumping into the Russian River. And as the owner of the Riverlane Resort in Guerneville, he was more like a father than a boss.
“There’s a lot of fathers and sons who don’t have that comfort of knowing there wasn’t a whole lot left to say,” Larry said. “We’re lucky that we did.”
Kass is survived by his wife, two sons and four grandchildren.


latimes--2020-04-23--Bay Area police boot hundreds from beach over coronavirus restrictions

A wave of out-of-town visitors kept police in the San Mateo County city of Pacifica busy last weekend and led the community ’ s mayor to consider closing local beaches .
It ’ s a concern facing coastal areas across the state as stay-at-home orders issued to stem the spread of the coronavirus clash with the need for warm-weather pilgrimages to the shore .
Amid the global pandemic , health officials want residents to resist the urge to hit the road to beat the heat .
Pacifica , like all of San Mateo County , is under coronavirus restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than five miles from their homes for outdoor recreation .
But that didn ’ t stop crowds from flocking to Linda Mar Beach .
From Friday through Sunday , the Pacifica Police Department said officers ordered 275 people off the beach after learning they had strayed outside the permitted buffer .
“ While Pacifica is normally a visitor-friendly area with its beautiful beaches and trails , the city takes this health crisis and shelter-in-place order seriously , ” Police Chief Daniel Steidle said in a statement .
“ Those found in violation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest.
” Capt .
Chris Clements said Thursday that the department was “ alarmed by the number of people who had violated the order to come to our local beaches and hiking trails last weekend.
” Along with continuing to keep beach parking lots closed , Clements said the department has posted no-parking signs in nearby neighborhoods and “ will again have additional officers on duty assigned to patrol the beaches and trailheads throughout the weekend.
” “ Our goal is to educate visitors about the restrictions in place in San Mateo County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer ’ s orders , ” he said .
Although Pacifica wishes to follow county health guidelines while allowing safe local access to its beaches , “ the data we ’ ve collected and the enforcement we ’ ve had to take suggests many are not taking these orders seriously , ” city Mayor Deirdre Martin said in a statement Monday .
“ This is alarming because unsafe conditions are occurring and , as a result , the city , in coordination with the state , may be left with no choice but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless conditions improve , ” she added .
State and local health officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of residents abiding by orders to stay home as much as possible and to keep their distance from others when they do venture outside .
While officials say doing so has helped stem the spread of the coronavirus and kept local healthcare systems from being overwhelmed by a dramatic spike in patients , the number of confirmed infections continues to climb in many areas of the state .
San Mateo County had confirmed 966 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there also announced 11 new coronavirus-linked deaths , raising the county ’ s total toll to 39 .
Among the victims was 88-year-old Donald Kennedy , a former president of Stanford University who also led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
He died at a care facility in Redwood City of complications of COVID-19 .
Santa Clara County reported six new coronavirus-linked deaths Wednesday , for a total of 94 .
The county has had the most confirmed coronavirus infections in the Bay Area — 1,962 — but has seen the growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent days .
As of Thursday morning , Alameda County had confirmed 1,280 cases and 45 deaths .
Those numbers were 1,302 and 21 , respectively , in San Francisco ; 763 and 22 in Contra Costa County ; and 203 and 11 in Marin County .
With warm weather on tap for the weekend — parts of the Southland could see record-high temperatures over the next few days , according to the National Weather Service — some officials have expressed concerns that out-of-town visitors may flock to the coast to escape the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen expressed concern that leaving open the county-run beaches next to his community would put residents ’ health at risk .
Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett pushed unsuccessfully Tuesday to close county beaches for two weeks during the hot spell , saying that the local coastline has been a magnet for visitors from the Inland Empire as well as Los Angeles and San Diego counties — which have shuttered their sandy stretches .
However , other jurisdictions are loosening their restrictions .
Residents of the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s beaches , pier , promenade and parks as long as they keep their distance from one another and remain active .
Another Ventura County city , Port Hueneme , has experimented with a “ soft reopening ” of its beach to walking , running , biking and solo surfing and paddle-boarding .

A wave of out-of-town visitors kept police in the San Mateo County city of Pacifica busy last weekend and led the community’s mayor to consider closing local beaches.
It’s a concern facing coastal areas across the state as stay-at-home orders issued to stem the spread of the coronavirus clash with the need for warm-weather pilgrimages to the shore. Amid the global pandemic, health officials want residents to resist the urge to hit the road to beat the heat.
Pacifica, like all of San Mateo County, is under coronavirus restrictions. Residents there are not allowed to travel more than five miles from their homes for outdoor recreation.
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But that didn’t stop crowds from flocking to Linda Mar Beach. From Friday through Sunday, the Pacifica Police Department said officers ordered 275 people off the beach after learning they had strayed outside the permitted buffer.
“While Pacifica is normally a visitor-friendly area with its beautiful beaches and trails, the city takes this health crisis and shelter-in-place order seriously,” Police Chief Daniel Steidle said in a statement. “Those found in violation are subject to parking citations and/or criminal arrest.”
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Capt. Chris Clements said Thursday that the department was “alarmed by the number of people who had violated the order to come to our local beaches and hiking trails last weekend.”
Along with continuing to keep beach parking lots closed, Clements said the department has posted no-parking signs in nearby neighborhoods and “will again have additional officers on duty assigned to patrol the beaches and trailheads throughout the weekend.”
“Our goal is to educate visitors about the restrictions in place in San Mateo County and gain voluntary compliance with the health officer’s orders,” he said.
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Although Pacifica wishes to follow county health guidelines while allowing safe local access to its beaches, “the data we’ve collected and the enforcement we’ve had to take suggests many are not taking these orders seriously,” city Mayor Deirdre Martin said in a statement Monday.
“This is alarming because unsafe conditions are occurring and, as a result, the city, in coordination with the state, may be left with no choice but to close the beaches entirely to everyone unless conditions improve,” she added.
State and local health officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of residents abiding by orders to stay home as much as possible and to keep their distance from others when they do venture outside.
While officials say doing so has helped stem the spread of the coronavirus and kept local healthcare systems from being overwhelmed by a dramatic spike in patients, the number of confirmed infections continues to climb in many areas of the state.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
San Mateo County had confirmed 966 coronavirus infection cases as of Wednesday. Officials there also announced 11 new coronavirus-linked deaths, raising the county’s total toll to 39.
Among the victims was 88-year-old Donald Kennedy, a former president of Stanford University who also led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He died at a care facility in Redwood City of complications of COVID-19.
Santa Clara County reported six new coronavirus-linked deaths Wednesday, for a total of 94. The county has had the most confirmed coronavirus infections in the Bay Area — 1,962 — but has seen the growth in its case count level off in recent days.
As of Thursday morning, Alameda County had confirmed 1,280 cases and 45 deaths. Those numbers were 1,302 and 21, respectively, in San Francisco; 763 and 22 in Contra Costa County; and 203 and 11 in Marin County.
With warm weather on tap for the weekend — parts of the Southland could see record-high temperatures over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service — some officials have expressed concerns that out-of-town visitors may flock to the coast to escape the heat wave.
In a letter this week, Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen expressed concern that leaving open the county-run beaches next to his community would put residents’ health at risk.
Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett pushed unsuccessfully Tuesday to close county beaches for two weeks during the hot spell, saying that the local coastline has been a magnet for visitors from the Inland Empire as well as Los Angeles and San Diego counties — which have shuttered their sandy stretches.
However, other jurisdictions are loosening their restrictions. Residents of the city of Ventura can once again access the city’s beaches, pier, promenade and parks as long as they keep their distance from one another and remain active.
Another Ventura County city, Port Hueneme, has experimented with a “soft reopening” of its beach to walking, running, biking and solo surfing and paddle-boarding.


latimes--2020-04-23--Expanded coronavirus testing in nursing homes could uncover a higher toll

As coronavirus continues its destructive spread through nursing homes , Brier Oak on Sunset , a low-slung brick building next to a pizza parlor in Hollywood has earned a sad distinction -- it has reported nearly twice as many cases as the next biggest outbreak in Los Angeles County .
But that ’ s at least in part because Brier Oak tested almost every resident and employee weeks ago , an aggressive step public health officials were not recommending and few other homes were willing to take .
That is about to change , and the number of reported COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise sharply in the days and weeks ahead .
On Wednesday , Los Angeles County health director Dr. Barbara Ferrer , in a major policy shift , announced that nursing homes are now being advised to test all residents and staff , not just those who show symptoms .
The previous guidance , to test only those who showed symptoms , was a mistake , she said .
“ We were wrong , ” Ferrer said at a news conference before announcing the new recommendations , which follow a similar shift in state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has likely resulted in a significant undercount of cases at nursing homes , experts say , where the ever-climbing number of people falling ill and dying is already a national tragedy .
“ We expect to see the number of cases that get reported to skyrocket , and we expect to see the number of deaths that get reported to skyrocket , ” with universal testing , said Dr. Michael Wasserman , president of the California Assn .
of Long Term Care Medicine , which represents doctors , nurses and others working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and residents of institutional living facilities -- mostly nursing homes -- have tested positive for the virus in Los Angeles County so far .
About 40 % of the 292 people who have died in the county have been nursing home residents .
Brier Oak on Sunset , with 186 coronavirus cases , had by far the biggest outbreak in Los Angeles County as of Thursday morning .
The nursing home with the second-highest number , Hollywood Premier Healthcare , reported 101 infected staff and residents .
Brier Oak ’ s coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said director of operations Aaron Robin , when two patients who arrived after being discharged from hospitals started showing symptoms .
They were isolated and tested , and the positive results arrived around April 1 .
Then Brier Oak tested all of the staff who ’ d had contact with those patients , even though none of the employees were showing symptoms , said Budgie Amparo , director of clinical operations .
Fifteen of them came back positive .
“ With that number , now you have to be concerned about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , because those employees had gone everywhere in the facility .
At about the same time , a professional acquaintance who is chief medical officer at the Los Angeles Jewish Home had received about 500 hundred test kits from the city of Los Angeles .
He offered to share half of them with Brier Oak .
That left them with a tricky decision , given the general reluctance within the industry to become associated with the deadly disease .
“ There were people saying to us do you really want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ‘ noise , ’ ” Amparo said , referring to negative publicity .
“ But you come to a point when you just have to do the right thing for the residents and the staff.
” So they tested everyone : 95 % of the residents had the virus , 75 % of staff had it too , Amparo said .
Three of the residents have died , Amparo said .
None of the employees has died or even been hospitalized , Amparo said .
A Brier Oak nurse assistant , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of retaliation , said she remembers watching as patients started getting fevers and diarrhea .
The staff didn ’ t realize patients had the virus , she said , thinking maybe there were issues with the food .
Then employees started getting sick , she said .
Some didn ’ t want to enter the isolation rooms , others weren ’ t showing up at all .
“ They were scared , ” she said .
“ Everyone was scared.
” The nurse assistant said she was tested for coronavirus in early April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get the results .
Eventually , she was informed she had tested positive .
But she only learned the actual number of coronavirus cases at Brier Oak through the news , after the state health department released that information last weekend , she said .
“ The number is outrageous .
So many of our patients , so many of our staff , ” she said , breaking down in tears .
“ It ’ s just sad.
” Another nurse assistant who tested positive , who also asked that her name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine days at home and her heart was beating so fast she thought she was going to have a heart attack .
But when she received a call asking if she felt healthy enough to return to work , she agreed to do so .
She is only caring for COVID-19-positive patients and isn ’ t worried .
Many of her colleagues feel the same way , she said .
“ Everyone is positive , but we ’ re all fine , ” she said .
“ We ’ re already positive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” John Plimpton , 81 , a patient at Brier Oak since mid-February , said he and his roommate were tested about two weeks ago .
His roommate was supposed to leave , but he had to wait for the results , Plimpton said .
“ I haven ’ t had any symptoms whatsoever , ” Plimpton said .
But he , too , said he didn ’ t learn the scope of the outbreak until his roommate received a message from somebody after the state released the numbers .
“ We don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hard information , ” Plimpton said .
“ They don ’ t come in and give us any official information -- or very , very little .
If I depended on that and nobody else ...
I wouldn ’ t know much of anything , to tell you the truth.
” There was a TV news crew out front on Tuesday , Plimpton said , and everyone was talking about that .
Despite the staggering number of cases , conditions inside Brier Oak aren ’ t as grim as you might think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people were dying in here and it was really bad , then I ’ d probably get a little scared , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t really worry about it too much , because there ’ s really not much I can do.
” “ I ’ m too old to start worrying , ” Plimpton said .
“ I ’ ve had a good life .
”

Brier Oak on Sunset, a facility specializing in Short Stay Rehabilitative Care and Long Term Care, in Los Angeles has reported 186 coronavirus cases.
As coronavirus continues its destructive spread through nursing homes, Brier Oak on Sunset, a low-slung brick building next to a pizza parlor in Hollywood has earned a sad distinction -- it has reported nearly twice as many cases as the next biggest outbreak in Los Angeles County.
But that’s at least in part because Brier Oak tested almost every resident and employee weeks ago, an aggressive step public health officials were not recommending and few other homes were willing to take.
That is about to change, and the number of reported COVID-19 cases at nursing homes is expected to rise sharply in the days and weeks ahead.
Advertisement
On Wednesday, Los Angeles County health director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, in a major policy shift, announced that nursing homes are now being advised to test all residents and staff, not just those who show symptoms. The previous guidance, to test only those who showed symptoms, was a mistake, she said.
“We were wrong,” Ferrer said at a news conference before announcing the new recommendations, which follow a similar shift in state policy.
Testing only people with symptoms has likely resulted in a significant undercount of cases at nursing homes, experts say, where the ever-climbing number of people falling ill and dying is already a national tragedy.
“We expect to see the number of cases that get reported to skyrocket, and we expect to see the number of deaths that get reported to skyrocket,” with universal testing, said Dr. Michael Wasserman, president of the California Assn. of Long Term Care Medicine, which represents doctors, nurses and others working in long-term care facilities.
More than 3,000 staff and residents of institutional living facilities -- mostly nursing homes -- have tested positive for the virus in Los Angeles County so far. About 40% of the 292 people who have died in the county have been nursing home residents.
Brier Oak on Sunset, with 186 coronavirus cases, had by far the biggest outbreak in Los Angeles County as of Thursday morning. The nursing home with the second-highest number, Hollywood Premier Healthcare, reported 101 infected staff and residents.
Advertisement
Brier Oak’s coronavirus ordeal started at the end of March, said director of operations Aaron Robin, when two patients who arrived after being discharged from hospitals started showing symptoms. They were isolated and tested, and the positive results arrived around April 1.
Then Brier Oak tested all of the staff who’d had contact with those patients, even though none of the employees were showing symptoms, said Budgie Amparo, director of clinical operations. Fifteen of them came back positive.
“With that number, now you have to be concerned about the possible exposure of everybody,” Amparo said, because those employees had gone everywhere in the facility.
At about the same time, a professional acquaintance who is chief medical officer at the Los Angeles Jewish Home had received about 500 hundred test kits from the city of Los Angeles. He offered to share half of them with Brier Oak.
That left them with a tricky decision, given the general reluctance within the industry to become associated with the deadly disease.
“There were people saying to us do you really want to do this because it could create a lot of ‘noise,’ ” Amparo said, referring to negative publicity. “But you come to a point when you just have to do the right thing for the residents and the staff.”
So they tested everyone: 95% of the residents had the virus, 75% of staff had it too, Amparo said.
Three of the residents have died, Amparo said. None of the employees has died or even been hospitalized, Amparo said.
A Brier Oak nurse assistant, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, said she remembers watching as patients started getting fevers and diarrhea. The staff didn’t realize patients had the virus, she said, thinking maybe there were issues with the food.
Then employees started getting sick, she said. Some didn’t want to enter the isolation rooms, others weren’t showing up at all.
“They were scared,” she said. “Everyone was scared.”
The nurse assistant said she was tested for coronavirus in early April and had to keep calling to try and get the results. Eventually, she was informed she had tested positive.
But she only learned the actual number of coronavirus cases at Brier Oak through the news, after the state health department released that information last weekend, she said.
“The number is outrageous. So many of our patients, so many of our staff,” she said, breaking down in tears. “It’s just sad.”
Another nurse assistant who tested positive, who also asked that her name not be used, said she spent nine days at home and her heart was beating so fast she thought she was going to have a heart attack.
But when she received a call asking if she felt healthy enough to return to work, she agreed to do so. She is only caring for COVID-19-positive patients and isn’t worried. Many of her colleagues feel the same way, she said.
“Everyone is positive, but we’re all fine,” she said. “We’re already positive, what else can happen to us?”
John Plimpton, 81, a patient at Brier Oak since mid-February, said he and his roommate were tested about two weeks ago. His roommate was supposed to leave, but he had to wait for the results, Plimpton said.
Both tests came back positive.
“I haven’t had any symptoms whatsoever,” Plimpton said. But he, too, said he didn’t learn the scope of the outbreak until his roommate received a message from somebody after the state released the numbers.
“We don’t really get a whole lot of hard information,” Plimpton said. “They don’t come in and give us any official information -- or very, very little. If I depended on that and nobody else ... I wouldn’t know much of anything, to tell you the truth.”
There was a TV news crew out front on Tuesday, Plimpton said, and everyone was talking about that.
Despite the staggering number of cases, conditions inside Brier Oak aren’t as grim as you might think, Plimpton said.
“If a lot of people were dying in here and it was really bad, then I’d probably get a little scared,” he said. “I don’t really worry about it too much, because there’s really not much I can do.”
“I’m too old to start worrying,” Plimpton said. “I’ve had a good life.”


latimes--2020-04-23--Orange County keeps beaches open, but tells outsiders to stay away during heat wave

Some Orange County beaches are open as the region ’ s first big heat wave of the year hits Southern California .
While people visiting O.C .
beaches will be able to get on the sand and in the water , with proper social distancing , the parking lots will remain closed .
And officials are urging outsiders to stay away .
That might be hard : Most Los Angeles County beaches ( as well as trails and recreation areas ) remain closed .
So Orange County ’ s shores might end up being a big draw .
Here ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orange County officials debated this week and trails during the upcoming heat wave after coastal residents raised concerns about out-of-towners descending on their communities in droves .
Since surrounding counties have completely shuttered their beaches , Orange County has been inundated with people from L.A. and San Diego counties and the Inland Empire , Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said this week .
“ When you take a look at the folks that are coming down , they ’ re not only not adhering to safer-at-home policies in their own communities , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Especially with the warm weather , I think it ’ s going to be problematic , ” she said .
Orange County officials ultimately decided to keep beaches open but left in place parking restrictions that will reduce access .
Some cities , including Laguna Beach and Seal Beach , have closed the stretches of sand in their jurisdiction .
Laguna Beach closed all of its city-owned beaches , adjacent beach parks and trailheads in March , making it the first city to do so in Orange County .
Officials have expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city being open during the heat wave .
Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen asked the Orange County Board of Supervisors this week to close the beaches in advance of the hot weather .
“ This means that visitors will be heading to just the few beaches and trails that are open and practicing social distancing will be difficult and by some ignored , ” Whalen wrote .
“ We have all seen the video from the beaches in Florida that recently reopened and there is no reason to expect a different outcome here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After a two-week closure , officials in the southernmost Orange County city voted Tuesday to allow “ active recreation ” at city beaches and coastal trails .
Parking access will be limited .
Local , state and federal agencies continue to enforce closures or severely limited access at hundreds of beaches , parks , trails and forests , all phased in since early March .
Yet as the measures move into their second month of enforcement , differences in government policies and enforcement have become more apparent .
L.A. Police Chief Michel Moore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to head for forbidden beaches and trails as temperatures are expected to surpass 90 degrees in the coming days .
“ Avoid those nonessential activities , ” Moore said .
“ Save the awkwardness of us having to admonish you.
” The city of Ventura eased its hard closure on parks and beaches this week in effort to help residents stay mentally and physically healthy amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Under an , residents can now access the city ’ s beaches , pier , promenade and parks as long as they keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active .
People can walk back and forth on the pier or the sand but are not allowed to sit down , or stand against the railing to fish , for example .
Ventura County officials also recently amended their Stay Well At Home order , allowing businesses to reopen physical locations with up to 10 workers as long as they did not serve the public .
Golf courses and bicycle shops also have been allowed to reopen , along with in-person sales of vehicles .

Hannah Fry, Priscella Vega, Lilly Nguyen

Some Orange County beaches are open as the region’s first big heat wave of the year hits Southern California.
While people visiting O.C. beaches will be able to get on the sand and in the water, with proper social distancing, the parking lots will remain closed. And officials are urging outsiders to stay away.
That might be hard: Most Los Angeles County beaches (as well as trails and recreation areas) remain closed. So Orange County’s shores might end up being a big draw.
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Here’s a look at the details:
Orange County
Orange County officials debated this week whether to close county beaches and trails during the upcoming heat wave after coastal residents raised concerns about out-of-towners descending on their communities in droves. Since surrounding counties have completely shuttered their beaches, Orange County has been inundated with people from L.A. and San Diego counties and the Inland Empire, Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said this week.
“When you take a look at the folks that are coming down, they’re not only not adhering to safer-at-home policies in their own communities, they’re not even staying in their own counties. Especially with the warm weather, I think it’s going to be problematic,” she said.
Orange County officials ultimately decided to keep beaches open but left in place parking restrictions that will reduce access. Some cities, including Laguna Beach and Seal Beach, have closed the stretches of sand in their jurisdiction.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach closed all of its city-owned beaches , adjacent beach parks and trailheads in March, making it the first city to do so in Orange County. Officials have expressed concern about county beaches just outside the city being open during the heat wave.
Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen asked the Orange County Board of Supervisors this week to close the beaches in advance of the hot weather.
“This means that visitors will be heading to just the few beaches and trails that are open and practicing social distancing will be difficult and by some ignored,” Whalen wrote. “We have all seen the video from the beaches in Florida that recently reopened and there is no reason to expect a different outcome here with the first warm weather coming.”
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San Clemente
After a two-week closure, officials in the southernmost Orange County city voted Tuesday to allow “active recreation” at city beaches and coastal trails. Parking access will be limited.
Los Angeles County
Local, state and federal agencies continue to enforce closures or severely limited access at hundreds of beaches, parks, trails and forests, all phased in since early March. Yet as the measures move into their second month of enforcement, differences in government policies and enforcement have become more apparent.
L.A. Police Chief Michel Moore called upon Angelenos to resist the urge to head for forbidden beaches and trails as temperatures are expected to surpass 90 degrees in the coming days.
“Avoid those nonessential activities,” Moore said. “Save the awkwardness of us having to admonish you.”
Ventura County
The city of Ventura eased its hard closure on parks and beaches this week in effort to help residents stay mentally and physically healthy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Under an amended ordinance , residents can now access the city’s beaches, pier, promenade and parks as long as they keep their distance from one another and remain active. People can walk back and forth on the pier or the sand but are not allowed to sit down, or stand against the railing to fish, for example.
County beaches are also open.
Ventura County officials also recently amended their Stay Well At Home order, allowing businesses to reopen physical locations with up to 10 workers as long as they did not serve the public. Golf courses and bicycle shops also have been allowed to reopen, along with in-person sales of vehicles.


latimes--2020-04-23--It's hot. Beaches are closed. Here's how to build one in your backyard

Are the coronavirus beach closures bumming you out more than ever as the season ’ s first heat wave hits ?
Consider building your own backyard beach .
That ’ s right , your own Margaritaville , steps from your back door .
Put on a few tunes and make Jimmy Buffett proud .
In SoCal , sunshine has always been the best medicine .
We ’ re drawn to it like mums .
So your backyard beach ( or your patio beach , or front porch beach or sidewalk beach , if you have enough space for social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise of better things to come .
Parking is free , and you won ’ t get sand all over your car .
Except for a 50-pound bag of sand , you won ’ t even need to run out to buy anything , since you probably already have most of the items in your garage .
Mostly , it ’ s just a matter of setting it up in a way that reminds you of Zuma , Manhattan beaches or any of the other top SoCal sun spots .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Orient your beach setup toward the sun ’ s trajectory .
If it proves too warm , you can always slide into the shade , or turn your back on the rays and set up your umbrella .
The right sand : This is what sets you apart from every other backyard beach-goer .
Most large hardware centers sell play sand ( about $ 6 a bag ) .
One bag should do , though if you have kids and they ’ d like an instant sandbox , buy three .
Be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wiggle your toes in it .
Audio : White-noise surf sounds are available all over the internet .
Have a nice nap .
The grill : Most SoCal beaches don ’ t allow grills .
But yours will .
Portable grills are available at hardware stores and drugstores , starting at about 20 bucks .
Cooler : No need to hide your alcoholic beverage from the lifeguards .
Seltzer drinks such as White Claw are refreshing in the heat .
Then again , you ’ re in Margaritaville .
Be sure to rim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bourbon spritzer recipe from Southern Living sounds pretty good too : bourbon , club soda , Aperol .
Playlist : Need something beyond the sounds of the surf ?
Try “ Pet Sounds , ” the Beach Boys classic .
Jack Johnson or Buffett can change your latitude and attitude , with their island vibes .
Digital music services such as Pandora and Spotify offer all sorts of beach playlists , from surf guitar to Tyga .
Finally : Don ’ t forget your social post , so your friends back east can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Chicago : rainy in the mid-40s ; New York , about the same ; Boston , even worse .

Are the coronavirus beach closures bumming you out more than ever as the season’s first heat wave hits? Consider building your own backyard beach.
That’s right, your own Margaritaville, steps from your back door. Put on a few tunes and make Jimmy Buffett proud.
In SoCal, sunshine has always been the best medicine. We’re drawn to it like mums.
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So your backyard beach (or your patio beach, or front porch beach or sidewalk beach, if you have enough space for social distancing) offers a psychic escape and the promise of better things to come. Parking is free, and you won’t get sand all over your car. Except for a 50-pound bag of sand, you won’t even need to run out to buy anything, since you probably already have most of the items in your garage.
Mostly, it’s just a matter of setting it up in a way that reminds you of Zuma, Manhattan beaches or any of the other top SoCal sun spots. Here’s how I did mine:
Check list
Beach chair
Portable grill
50 pounds of sand
Sunscreen
Cooler
Umbrella
Boogie boards and surfboards
Reading material
Speaker/radio
Playlist
Ice
Set up your own beach in the backyard. (Chris Erskine / Los Angeles Times)
Pro tips
The setup: Orient your beach setup toward the sun’s trajectory. If it proves too warm, you can always slide into the shade, or turn your back on the rays and set up your umbrella.
The right sand: This is what sets you apart from every other backyard beach-goer. Most large hardware centers sell play sand (about $6 a bag). One bag should do, though if you have kids and they’d like an instant sandbox, buy three. Be sure to spread it so you can wiggle your toes in it.
Audio: White-noise surf sounds are available all over the internet. Have a nice nap.
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The grill: Most SoCal beaches don’t allow grills. But yours will. Portable grills are available at hardware stores and drugstores, starting at about 20 bucks.
Cooler: No need to hide your alcoholic beverage from the lifeguards. Seltzer drinks such as White Claw are refreshing in the heat. Then again, you’re in Margaritaville. Be sure to rim the glass with fresh lime. This bourbon spritzer recipe from Southern Living sounds pretty good too: bourbon, club soda, Aperol.
Reading material: “If It Bleeds” is Stephen King’s latest.
Playlist: Need something beyond the sounds of the surf? Try “Pet Sounds,” the Beach Boys classic. Jack Johnson or Buffett can change your latitude and attitude, with their island vibes. Digital music services such as Pandora and Spotify offer all sorts of beach playlists, from surf guitar to Tyga.
Finally: Don’t forget your social post, so your friends back east can sunbathe remotely. Friday’s forecast for Chicago: rainy in the mid-40s; New York, about the same; Boston, even worse.


latimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus becomes leading cause of death in L.A. County as toll nears 800

Los Angeles County health officials on Thursday announced that COVID-19 — the illness caused by the coronavirus — has become the leading cause of death in the county , surpassing fatalities from flu , emphysema and heart disease .
Barbara Ferrer , the county ’ s public health director , confirmed 68 new coronavirus-linked deaths , bringing the total to just under 800 since the outbreak began .
The county also reported 1,081 new COVID-19 cases — pushing the overall number to 17,508 .
Of those who most recently died , 51 were over age 65 , 11 were 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 .
Ages were not available for the other cases .
Among all who have died from coronavirus infection in the county , 89 % had some kind of underlying health condition , Ferrer said .
“ This is underscoring the need for people who have underlying health conditions to make sure that they ’ re staying home , that they ’ re avoiding close contact with as many other people as possible and that at the first sign of illness they are contacting their healthcare provider , ” she said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus in Los Angeles County is 44 .
In comparison , each day , five people die from influenza during flu season , eight die daily from emphysema and 31 die of heart disease , on average , Ferrer said .
“ These are our leading causes of death across the county , and at the average rate of 44 deaths [ per day ] ... COVID-19 has now become the leading cause of death across the county , ” she said .
“ These numbers are a stark reminder for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of COVID-19 because in slowing the spread , we have the opportunity , each and every one of us , to save a life.
” The increase in deaths in Los Angeles County comes a day after California reported 118 new fatalities — the highest number of deaths in a single day statewide .
More than 1,500 people have died across California .
The surge in fatalities marks a roughly 8.5 % increase in the number of deaths statewide , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Thursday .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the woods yet , ” he said .
Despite the uptick in deaths , public health officials say hospitals are not being overwhelmed , but they continue to see a steady flow of patients .
Models unveiled this week project that , should residents continue to abide by stay-at-home orders and maintain social distancing when they do venture outside , Los Angeles County should have enough hospital and ICU beds , as well as respirators , to accommodate the expected number of coronavirus patients .
The sobering numbers come amid a push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have kept Californians inside for weeks .
A group of protesters on Wednesday drove around City Hall in downtown L.A. , honking and waving signs reading “ Open Cali Now ” and “ Freedom is Contagious.
” Some held signs supporting President Trump .
It was the latest of several protests across the country .
In the past several days , similar uprisings were held in San Diego , Newport Beach , Sacramento , Huntington Beach and San Clemente .
Orange , Riverside and Ventura counties have started to pull back on some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beaches and — as health officials in L.A. County urge residents and public officials to stay the course .
Newsom reemphasized this week that there are six key indicators for potentially modifying the stay-at-home order .
Among those is increasing testing capacity , which he said may be among the most important .
Currently , the state can provide about 16,000 tests a day , he said , and the goal is to boost that to 25,000 a day by the end of the month .
Counties across the state have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Los Angeles County expanded coronavirus testing this month to include any resident who has symptoms and wants to be tested for the virus .
Orange County this week launched a network of six clinics that officials say will have the ability to test an additional 600 people per day .
The tests will be done by appointment for anyone showing symptoms of the virus .
Between 350 and 1,100 people were previously being tested for COVID-19 per day countywide .
Eventually , county health officials hope to be conducting 2,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County public health officials reported two additional coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday , bringing the toll to 36 .
There have been more than 1,800 confirmed cases of the virus in the county .
Newsom and others have said that California and the nation have not necessarily seen the worst of the coronavirus and that lifting stay-at-home rules too early could be disastrous .
Ahead of the unseasonably warm weather expected this weekend , state and county officials encouraged Californians to stay at home as much as possible and avoid crowded outdoor areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , the governor said he expects to be announcing a rise in the number of deaths , hospitalizations and new infections in the coming weeks as a result .
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis emphasized that while the warm weather may look like an exciting opportunity to head outside , it is more important than ever that people continue social distancing efforts .
“ This will test our resolve to remain committed to the safer-at-home orders , ” she said .
“ Now is not the time to let our guards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made .
”

Gloves worn by pallbearers are draped on the casket of retired officer, Charles Jackson Jr., who died from Covid-19. The funeral service was held at the Inglewood Park Cemetary on April 15, 2020.
Los Angeles County health officials on Thursday announced that COVID-19 — the illness caused by the coronavirus — has become the leading cause of death in the county, surpassing fatalities from flu, emphysema and heart disease.
Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health director, confirmed 68 new coronavirus-linked deaths, bringing the total to just under 800 since the outbreak began. The county also reported 1,081 new COVID-19 cases — pushing the overall number to 17,508.
Of those who most recently died, 51 were over age 65, 11 were 41 to 65 and three were 18 to 40. Ages were not available for the other cases. Among all who have died from coronavirus infection in the county, 89% had some kind of underlying health condition, Ferrer said.
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“This is underscoring the need for people who have underlying health conditions to make sure that they’re staying home, that they’re avoiding close contact with as many other people as possible and that at the first sign of illness they are contacting their healthcare provider,” she said.
The average number of daily deaths related to the coronavirus in Los Angeles County is 44. In comparison, each day, five people die from influenza during flu season, eight die daily from emphysema and 31 die of heart disease, on average, Ferrer said.
“These are our leading causes of death across the county, and at the average rate of 44 deaths [per day] ... COVID-19 has now become the leading cause of death across the county,” she said. “These numbers are a stark reminder for all of us of the importance of slowing the spread of COVID-19 because in slowing the spread, we have the opportunity, each and every one of us, to save a life.”
The increase in deaths in Los Angeles County comes a day after California reported 118 new fatalities — the highest number of deaths in a single day statewide. More than 1,500 people have died across California.
The surge in fatalities marks a roughly 8.5% increase in the number of deaths statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday.
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“It’s a reminder we’re not out of the woods yet,” he said.
Despite the uptick in deaths, public health officials say hospitals are not being overwhelmed, but they continue to see a steady flow of patients. Models unveiled this week project that, should residents continue to abide by stay-at-home orders and maintain social distancing when they do venture outside, Los Angeles County should have enough hospital and ICU beds, as well as respirators, to accommodate the expected number of coronavirus patients.
The sobering numbers come amid a push from some communities to loosen regulations that have kept Californians inside for weeks.
A group of protesters on Wednesday drove around City Hall in downtown L.A., honking and waving signs reading “Open Cali Now” and “Freedom is Contagious.” Some held signs supporting President Trump. It was the latest of several protests across the country. In the past several days, similar uprisings were held in San Diego, Newport Beach, Sacramento, Huntington Beach and San Clemente.
Orange, Riverside and Ventura counties have started to pull back on some of their coronavirus-related restrictions — reopening golf courses , parks, beaches and other outdoor areas — as health officials in L.A. County urge residents and public officials to stay the course.
Newsom reemphasized this week that there are six key indicators for potentially modifying the stay-at-home order. Among those is increasing testing capacity, which he said may be among the most important.
Currently, the state can provide about 16,000 tests a day, he said, and the goal is to boost that to 25,000 a day by the end of the month.
Counties across the state have also started boosting their testing capacities in recent weeks. Los Angeles County expanded coronavirus testing this month to include any resident who has symptoms and wants to be tested for the virus.
Orange County this week launched a network of six clinics that officials say will have the ability to test an additional 600 people per day. The tests will be done by appointment for anyone showing symptoms of the virus.
Between 350 and 1,100 people were previously being tested for COVID-19 per day countywide. Eventually, county health officials hope to be conducting 2,000 tests per day through the network.
Orange County public health officials reported two additional coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday, bringing the toll to 36. There have been more than 1,800 confirmed cases of the virus in the county.
Newsom and others have said that California and the nation have not necessarily seen the worst of the coronavirus and that lifting stay-at-home rules too early could be disastrous. Ahead of the unseasonably warm weather expected this weekend, state and county officials encouraged Californians to stay at home as much as possible and avoid crowded outdoor areas.
If people fail to social distance this weekend, the governor said he expects to be announcing a rise in the number of deaths, hospitalizations and new infections in the coming weeks as a result.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis emphasized that while the warm weather may look like an exciting opportunity to head outside, it is more important than ever that people continue social distancing efforts.
“This will test our resolve to remain committed to the safer-at-home orders,” she said. “Now is not the time to let our guards down and lose the gains we have made.”
Times staff writer Phil Willon contributed to this report.